The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Los Angeles Lakers on May 5, 2026, in the NBA Playoffs. The Lakers enter this matchup as significant underdogs, missing their star player Luka Doncic due to a left hamstring strain.
The Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. They are the defending champions and are favored to win this series. Meanwhile, the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in six games to advance.
Key player absences:
Luka Doncic is out for the Lakers. and Jalen Williams is out for the Thunder due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.
LeBron James leads the Lakers as their all-time leading scorer. He has played 23 years in the league and will need to step up significantly in Doncic’s absence. The Thunder’s starting lineup features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Lakers’ starting lineup includes Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. Most fans predict this best-of-seven series will end quickly — likely in four or five games.
Where to watch:
The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. and It will be broadcast live on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
A dramatic return for Doncic could change everything for the Lakers. However, his return date remains unclear. The same uncertainty surrounds Jalen Williams’ recovery timeline.
