The Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder begin their 2026 NBA playoffs Western Conference semis on Tuesday night. The Lakers beat the Rockets 4-2 in the previous round, while the Thunder swept the Suns to advance. Los Angeles tips off another series as a massive underdog. The Lakers are +650 to win, while the Thunder are projected to win by more than 15 points in Game 1.
The Thunder had the Lakers’ number in the regular season, going 3-0. Los Angeles stood no chance regardless of who was on the floor for the team. The Thunder have a deeper and more talented roster across the board. To make things worse for the Lakers, they will continue to miss Luka Doncic’s 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.
The Slovenian superstar has been out since Apr. 2, coincidentally injuring his left hamstring against the Thunder. Doncic is far from a return as he hasn’t progressed in his rehab and has yet to start running. The Lakers escaped an inferior team in Houston in round one, but the Thunder are the best team in the NBA and it would take a near-perfect effort for them to advance, especially without Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. OKC Thunder Projected Starting Lineups
Lakers
The Lakers will start Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart in the backcourt. Rui Hachimura will be at small forward, LeBron James at power forward and Deandre Ayton at center.
Luke Kennard will be the sixth man, while Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes will also play key roles off the bench.
PG – Austin Reaves, SG – Marcus Smart, SF – Rui Hachimura, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Thunder
The Thunder will start Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at point guard and Ajay Mitchell at shooting guard. Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein will be the frontcourt trio.
Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace will likely be the most used players off the bench, while Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins could also play key minutes.
PG – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG – Ajay Mitchell, SF – Lu Dort, PF – Chet Holmgren, C – Isaiah Hartenstein
Los Angeles Lakers vs. OKC Thunder Injury Reports
Lakers
Luka Doncic is the only player on the Lakers’ injury report. He remains out due to a left hamstring strain.
Thunder
Jalen Williams and Thomas Sorber are the only ones on the Thunder’s injury report. Williams is out with a left hamstring strain and Sorber is recovering from ACL surgery.
