The OKC Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers square off in Game 3 of their Western Conference semis matchup on Saturday. The series shifts to LA with OKC leading 2-0. The Lakers have lost on the Thunder’s home court by 18 points in each game, but they competed and hung around for a long time in Game 2 before losing 125-107.
However, a few questionable calls going the other way, coupled with the Lakers’ unforced errors, allowed OKC to take control in the second half after they trailed by five in the third.
LeBron James had another solid game with 23 points, six assists and three steals on 50.0% shooting, while Austin Reaves bounced back with a playoff career high 31-point game. He had six assists and he shot 62.5% from the field. However, the duo combined for eight turnovers, which significantly impacted the Lakers’ chances of making this close down the stretch.
On the other hand, the OKC Thunder had multiple notable contributions from Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell scored 20 or more each, while McCain had 18 off the bench.
The Thunder’s pesky defense was decisive when they were in a tough spot between the second and halfway through the third quarter. The Lakers will likely play with an increased sense of urgency and intensity with their home support behind them, so OKC will have to dig deep again to take an improbable 3-0 lead.
OKC Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts For Game 3
OKC Thunder starting lineup and depth chart
The Thunder will retain their starting lineup from Games 1 and 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell will share the backcourt, while Lu Dort will be at small forward, Chet Holmgren at power forward and Isaiah Hartenstein at center.
| PG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Jared McCain | Nikola Topic |
| SG | Ajay Mitchell | Cason Wallace | Aaron Wiggins |
| SF | Luguentz Dort | Alex Caruso | Isaiah Joe |
| PF | Chet Holmgren | Kenrich Williams | |
| C | Isaiah Hartenstein | Jaylin Williams |
Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
The Lakers will stick to their lineup from Games 1 and 2 as well. Austin Reaves will be the point guard alongside Marcus Smart at shooting guard. Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton will be the frontcourt trio.
| PG | Austin Reaves | Bronny James | Nick Smith Jr. |
| SG | Marcus Smart | Luke Kennard | Dalton Knecht |
| SF | Rui Hachimura | Jake LaRavia | Adou Thiero |
| PF | LeBron James | Jarred Vanderbilt* | |
| C | Deandre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes | Maxi Kleber |
