Lakers need role players to rise to occasion against Thunder back in LA

TL;DR

The Lakers are down 2-0 in their playoff series against the Thunder and need their role players to perform better. With the series shifting back to Los Angeles, contributions from the bench could be crucial for a comeback.

Key points

Lakers are down 2-0 in the playoff series against the Thunder
Role players need to contribute more for the Lakers to succeed
Thunder's bench has outscored Lakers' bench in both games
Lakers will play Game 3 at home in Los Angeles
Rui Hachimura has been one of the few consistent players for the Lakers

Los Angeles LakersOklahoma City ThunderLeBron JamesRui Hachimura

The Lakers’ second-round series against the Thunder is shifting from Paycom Center, widely considered one of the NBA’s loudest arenas. That could be good news for the team’s role players. Against the Thunder’s deep roster, the Lakers need everyone to make a positive contribution.

The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura was consistent in the first two games against the Thunder. NBAE via Getty Images What is one major advantage the Thunder have had this series? Bench points. In Game 1, the Thunder’s reserves outscored the Lakers’ bench, 34-15. In Game 2, that advantage ballooned to 48-24. The Thunder, quite simply, have more players who are playing well than the Lakers, which makes all the difference in the playoffs. The Lakers have actually done a good job limiting reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all postseason scorers in the first round of the playoffs with 33.7 points a game. This series he’s averaging just 20 points. But unfortunately for the Lakers, trying to limit the Thunder has been like playing Whac-A-Mole at an arcade. In Game 1, Chet Holmgren led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds. In Game 2, Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander and each had 20 or more points. Meanwhile, for the Lakers, nearly everyone not named has struggled offensively at various points this series. went from scoring eight points in Game 1 to finishing with a game-high 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting in Game 2. The Lakers’ totaled three points on 1-for-7 shooting in Game 2 against the Thunder. AP Deandre Ayton had three points on 1-for-7 shooting in Game 2. had a disappearing act in Game 1, shooting 1-for-4 from the field. has struggled to make an impact. has been quiet on the offensive end after having a few scoring explosions in the first round. hasn’t made much of an impact. Rui Hachimura has been consistent, finishing with 18 points in Game 1 and 16 points in Game 2. But other than him, the team’s role players have left a lot to be desired. If the Lakers’ role players could become a threat, that would greatly help spread the court for James and Reaves, who are trying to carry the Lakers while remains sidelined with a strained hamstring. The Thunder have had the NBA’s top-rated defense the last two years. The Lakers need bigger contributions from their role players both in the starting lineup and on the bench. They need to become a threat. They can’t allow the defense to collapse on James and harass Reaves. Everyone on the court needs to make the Thunder respect them. The Lakers’ Luke Kennard scored 10 points in Game 2 but disappeared in Game 1. NBAE via Getty Images Even though the Lakers are down 2-0 in their second-round playoff series, losing both games by 18 points, the final score made those games seem more lopsided than they appeared. In Game 1, the Lakers jumped to a 7-0 start and trailed by only eight points at halftime, 61-53. In Game 2, they were neck-and-neck with the Thunder for much of the game until OKC pulled away midway through the fourth quarter. Now the Lakers are going home. They’re going to be on their turf, in front of their crowd, shooting on the baskets they’ve developed a feel for over 41 regular-season games. If the Lakers’ role players step up, they could claw their way back into this series.

Q&A

What is the current status of the Lakers vs. Thunder playoff series?

The Lakers are currently down 2-0 in their second-round playoff series against the Thunder.

How have the Lakers' role players performed in the series against the Thunder?

The Lakers' role players have struggled, with significant contributions needed to support stars like LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

What advantages do the Thunder have over the Lakers in this series?

The Thunder have outscored the Lakers' bench significantly, with a notable advantage in bench points in both games.

How might playing at home impact the Lakers in Game 3?

Playing at home could provide the Lakers with a boost, as they will be in familiar surroundings and supported by their crowd.

Lakers need role players to rise to occasion against Thunder back in LA

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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