LeBron James and the Lakers are OUT of the NBA playoffs as last-gasp Jamal Murray two-pointer earns Denver Nuggets 108-106 victory and sends LA packing for the second straight year

Jamal Murray sank a last-gasp game-winner as the Denver Nuggets dumped LeBron James and the LA Lakers out of the NBA playoffs for a second straight season on Monday night.

Knowing a win was required to keep their playoff hopes alive in Denver, LeBron put up 30 points as he desperately tried to pull the Lakers over the line while trailing 3-1 in the first-round series.

Yet in the end his efforts were not enough, as Murray's 32-point return - which included a crucial two-pointer right at the death - was enough to win Game 5 for the defending-champion Nuggets and book their place in the Conference Semifinals.

It caps a miserable end to the season for the Lakers and all-time great LeBron, who now faces an uncertain future in the sport at the age of 39.

LA head coach Darvin Ham, who has drawn heavy criticism in the 2024 campaign, also hinted that his time in charge of the team could be up after their first-round exit.

LeBron James and the LA Lakers are out of the NBA playoffs after losing to the Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray made the game-winning shot for the Nuggets with 3.6 seconds remaining

'It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that,' Ham said after the game. 'It’s been a hell of a two years.'

Murray scored his 32 points despite a strained calf, with his game-winner coming in the final 3.6 seconds.

James' two free throws tied it at 106 with 26 seconds left and the Nuggets, just as they did in Game 2, eschewed the timeout and Murray took the ball on a high screen and roll to his left, shaking Austin Reaves and he crossed through the lane and swished the 14-footer.

It was Murray's buzzer beater that won Game 2. 'This one was a little better,' he said as confetti swirled around him and his celebrating teammates.

Nikola Jokic, who committed an uncharacteristic seven turnovers, narrowly missed his 19th career playoff triple-double with 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists and Michael Porter Jr. scored 26.

James had 30 points and 11 assists and Davis had 17 points and 15 rebound but appeared bothered down the stretch after banging his left shoulder into MPJ in the second half.