3 best matchups of Lakers-Thunder NBA playoff series
The Lakers face a challenging playoff series against the Thunder after being swept in the regular season by an average of 29.3 points. Key matchups include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander versus Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton against Chet Holmgren, and the coaching strategies of JJ Redick and Mark Daigneault. Despite the odds, the Lakers have shown resilience, especially with Smart's defensive prowess and Ayton's strong rebounding performance in the first round.
- ▪The Thunder swept the four-game regular-season series against the Lakers by an average of 29.3 points.
- ▪Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning NBA MVP and is averaging 33.8 points this postseason on 55.1% shooting.
- ▪Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, held Kevin Durant to three second-half points in the first round.
- ▪Deandre Ayton averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and one block in the Lakers' series against the Rockets.
- ▪JJ Redick has instilled belief in the Lakers despite missing key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the first round.
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NBA 3 best matchups of Lakers-Thunder NBA playoff series By Melissa Rohlin Published May 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET The Thunder swept the four-game regular-season series against the Lakers by an average of 29.3 points. The Lakers have an uphill battle ahead of them, to state the obvious. Heading into the Lakers’ second-round playoff series against the Thunder, here are three key matchups to keep your eyes on: 4 The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning NBA MVP. NBAE via Getty Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Marcus Smart Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP. He’s likely to repeat for that honor when the winner is announced later this month. There’s no stopping him. He’s like a metronome. He’s guaranteed to score about 30 points a game.
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