The Los Angeles Lakers are down 0-1 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoffs and aim to tie the series on Thursday night. Despite losing the first game by nearly 20 points, the Lakers remain competitive.
The Los Angeles Lakers are down 0-1 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoffs, and on Thursday night, theyāll be looking to tie the series.
The Lakers are heavy underdogs, and though they lost the first game by nearly 20 points, they far from out of the series.
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket as Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) defends in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
A lot will depend on how the Lakers contain reigning MVP and favorite to repeat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
But without superstar Luka Doncic, who may not return in time for this series even if it goes seven games, theyāll have to find ways to score more.
The Lakers are currently down 0-1 in the series against the Thunder.
The key player for the Thunder is reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Lakers will play the Thunder on Thursday night.
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That will largely involve Austin Reaves, who recently returned from injury but before that was second on the team in scoring, behind only Doncic.
In Game 1, he struggled, shooting 3-for-16 and scoring only eight points.
Of course, the 41-year-old LeBron James will have to play well, too, and the Lakers will also need some contributions from players like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
If the Lakers take Game 2, they come back to LA with home-court advantage and real momentum.
If they lose, that Game 3 could be the pivotal game of the series.
Do you think the Lakers can pull off the upset Thursday night?
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