The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s matchup for the Western Conference semifinals has brought its fair share of controversies. Several fans and analysts have expressed their concerns about the state of officiating in this particular series. Amid that, the Lakers have landed in a 0-3 hole after three games. The two teams will now meet on Monday, May 11, at Crypto.com Arena.
Several analysts and former NBA players had already written off the Lakers before the series even began. The team wasn’t even expected to come out of Round 1 alive without Luka Doncic. However, LeBron James’ stellar playoff performance with ample help from the squad led the team to a 4-2 finish.
The Thunder, on the other hand, are on a roll. They have not lost a single game in the playoffs thus far and are looking as dominant as ever to come out of the conference. Although their superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has averaged 21 points and 5.7 assists in Round 2, the role players have done a pretty good job.
Ajay Mitchell scored 24 points in the last game, shooting 10-17 from the floor, and also dished 10 assists. Chet Holmgren has also performed brilliantly, averaging 21.3 points and 10 rebounds in the series and shooting 59.5% from the field. Doncic remains out for Game 4, which can be the last game of the Lakers this season.
No team in the NBA has ever come back from 0-3 and won the series. Therefore, it seems highly unlikely for the Lakers to expect anything good out of this one now. However, this season has seen many records being broken and history repeated. It’s not over until it’s over!
Los Angeles Lakers vs. OKC Thunder Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
The LA Lakers have listed Luka Doncic out due to his hamstring sprain. The team is expected to play the same starting 5, with Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart in the backcourt and LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton in the frontcourt. They are again expected to go with a short-handed roster.
| PG | Austin Reaves | ||
| SG | Marcus Smart | Jake LaRavia | |
| SF | Rui Hachimura | Luke Kennnard | Adou Thiero |
| PF | LeBron James | ||
| C | Deandre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes |
OKC Thunder Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Jalen Williams remains out for the OKC Thunder in Game 4 as well due to a left hamstring sprain, the same as that of Doncic.
| PG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Cason Wallace | |
| SG | Ajay Mitchell | Isaiah Joe | Jared McCain |
| SF | Luguentz Dort | Alex Caruso | |
| PF | Chet Holmgren | Kenrich Williams | |
| C | Isaiah Hartenstein | Jaylin Williams |
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