Lakers vs. Thunder live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA Playoffs series
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Lakers vs. Thunder live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder burst on the scene with the franchise's first NBA title last season. But perhaps the biggest test comes in the Western Conference semifinals series against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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What we know about this matchup is youth vs. experience. While the Thunder reached the peak with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James, 41, is still going into Year 23 and trying to advance to play for LA's 18th championship in franchise history. There's a ton of basketball still yet to be decided, and some of it will depend on the status of Luka Doncic.
The Lakers star injured his left hamstring in Oklahoma City about a month ago and hasn’t played since. The league scoring champion averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in the regular season.
The Thunder respect the Lakers but this series will be physical and bring out a different side with a spot in the conference finals on the line. Lakers coach JJ Redick isn't overlooking OKC being a threat once again.
“It’s one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,” Redick said. “That’s the reality. They are. 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.”
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Lakers vs. Thunder live updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA playoffs
1st Quarter- 8:48: Thunder tie the game at 9.
1st Quarter- 10:30: Luguentz Dort puts OKC on the board with a 3-pointer. 7-3 Lakers lead
1st Quarter- 10:58: LeBron James 3-pointer gives Lakers 7-0 lead.
1st Quarter- 11:46: LeBron James got right to the basket with a layup and foul (misses free throw) 2-0 Lakers.
Tip-off from Oklahoma City delayed for pregame will be approx. 8:44 p.m. ET
Game 1 starters in OKC: pic.twitter.com/BxtKnmq5zq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 6, 2026
How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Western Conference Semifinals
Tuesday, May 5
Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC/Peacock
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