Lakers’ LeBron James, Austin Reaves Not Enough Vs OKC Without Luka

BusinessSportsMoneyLakers’ LeBron James, Austin Reaves Not Enough Vs OKC Without LukaByMark Medina,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. NBA reporterFollow AuthorMay 08, 2026, 02:33am EDTMay 08, 2026, 02:36am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 05: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOnce again, the Los Angeles Lakers discovered it does not matter what they do against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The outcome will stay the same.The Lakers’ 125-101 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series on Thursday appears just as similar as their Game 1 defeat and their four regular-season setbacks. The reasons technically vary by the game. But regardless of any varying improvements or setbacks the Lakers experience, the Thunder simply have too much talent and depth to make any development irrelevant.The Lakers competed enough to stay respectable. That didn’t matter with the Thunder forcing 20 turnovers to create instance offense. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played only 28 minutes because of persistent foul trouble. That didn’t matter because Gilgeous-Alexander still posted 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Lakers forward LeBron James stayed aggressive to produce 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting and six assists. That didn’t matter because James had limited trips to the free-throw line (4-for-4) and became increasingly annoyed with...