Key matchups will decide if Los Angeles can overcome injuries and silence OKC's potent offense.
The Thunder thrashed the Lakers by 43 points on April 2. Can Los Angeles avenge its embarrassing loss despite being without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves?
An Oklahoma City win would be a big help to Denver’s push for the three seed, so it’s a crucial game for the reigning champs. But they will have to win this game without a resting Jalen Williams.
Here are three key matchups for this contest.
Turnovers
Los Angeles played its first contest since losing Dončić and Reaves to injuries, and LeBron James delivered as the top option. He recorded 30 points and 15 assists against Dallas while shooting 12-of-22 from the field.
The offense is fine when James initiates actions, but Luke Kennard being the next best playmaker is concerning. He’s simply not fit to be a lead creator against quality defenses. And who will orchestrate if it’s not James or Kennard? Jake LaRavia? Rui Hachimura? Bronny James? The younger James could not even cross half court without committing a turnover when Cason Wallace pressed him in the previous matchup.
Role players will be forced to be on the ball far more with Dončić and Reaves out, which means Oklahoma City should force a ton of turnovers. This is a death sentence for a Lakers squad that desperately needs to win the possession battle in order to make it to halftime within striking distance.
Ajay Mitchell's Offense
Jalen Williams is taking the night off, so Ajay Mitchell will be the Thunder's main ball handler during the minutes when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rests. Los Angeles struggles mightily to stay in front of downhill guards. Can Mitchell capitalize and shred the Lakers on drives to the hoop? His kick-outs to shooters like Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain are also crucial to a functioning offense during the non-Gilgeous-Alexander minutes.
Overall, a strong scoring and playmaking night from Mitchell would overwhelm the Lakers' vulnerable defense and probably lead to another blowout win for Oklahoma City.
Jake LaRavia’s Impact
Although the Lakers could not buy a defensive stop in the previous matchup, LaRavia actually did a decent job when he guarded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Los Angeles needs another strong performance from LaRavia, whether it’s dancing with Gilgeous-Alexander on the perimeter or contesting Chet Holmgren's fadeaway jumpers.
LaRavia making the right passes, knocking down corner triples and finding success on cuts to the basket would also be a boon for the Lakers’ offense.