Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series preview, predictions: Do LeBron, Lakers have a chance?

The Los Angeles Lakers know what they’re up against.

“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there. We’re not,” LeBron James said of the Thunder after they beat the Lakers in February.

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“I said to a bunch of people yesterday off site talking about this series, to me, the Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said on Sunday, via Dan Woike of The Athletic. “It’s just the reality. They’re that good. I think our guys recognize that and respect that, and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.”

Oklahoma City is the defending champion, with the reigning (and soon to be repeat) MVP, they have been the title favorites since before the season tipped off, showed no sign of a championship hangover and went out and won 64 games this season (the best record in the league), with the best defense in the NBA and a top-10 offense.

Not only did the Thunder sweep the season series from the Lakers, but they also won the four games by an average of 32.3 points. The gap between these teams was clear.

Can the Lakers pull off another upset? Do they need Luka Doncic to do that, and when might he return? We get into all of that in this preview.

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When does the Lakers vs. Thunder begin?

Game 1 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder is set for 8:30 ET on Tuesday, May 5, at the Paycom Center in the heart of OKC. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Los Angeles vs. Oklahoma City Playoffs Schedule 2026

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).
Game 1: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5 (8:30 ET, NBC and Peacock)
Game 2: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 7 (9:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 3: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles, Saturday, May 9 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 4: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles, May 11, (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
*Game 5: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City, May 13 (TBD)
*Game 6: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles, May 15, (TBD)
*Game 7: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City, May 17 (TBD)

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Player to watch: LeBron James

We should be watching and savoring every chance we get to watch maybe the greatest ever to do it,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/los-angeles-lakers-vs-oklahoma-230452105.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-04 23:04:00

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