The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Los Angeles Lakers on May 5, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are heavily favored to win the series against the Lakers, who are missing key players.
The Thunder finished the regular season with a perfect 4-0 record against the Lakers. They defeated Los Angeles by an average margin of 29.3 points per game. In contrast, the Lakers struggled with their scoring, averaging fewer shot opportunities than their previous opponent, the Houston Rockets.
The absence of Luka Dončić and Jalen Williams due to injuries weakens the Lakers significantly. Dončić is sidelined with a strained left hamstring, while Williams suffers from a grade 1 left hamstring strain. The Lakers were outscored by 56 points during the time Dončić was on the court against the Thunder this season.
Key statistics:
- The Thunder averaged a victory margin of 29.3 points over the Lakers this season.
- LeBron James averaged 26.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in his first round against Houston.
- The Lakers were held to fewer than 100 points in three games against Houston.
The Thunder completed a first-round sweep against the Phoenix Suns and aim to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors to win consecutive NBA titles. Meanwhile, the Lakers defeated Houston in six games to reach this stage.
Yet, uncertainty looms over LeBron James’ future after this season. If he can lead his team to an upset victory in Game 1, it could alter predictions about this series dramatically.
