One injury changes everything in Lakers-Thunder series. Other might not matter
Luka Doncic's absence due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain casts a significant shadow over the Lakers' chances in their Western Conference semifinals series against the Thunder. Despite overcoming the Rockets without him, the Lakers now face a much tougher challenge against a dominant Thunder team. Meanwhile, the Thunder may be without Jalen Williams, but their depth and reliance on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander make them resilient to injuries.
- ▪Luka Doncic is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least the first two games of the series.
- ▪The Lakers defeated the Rockets without Doncic, but that series lacked Kevin Durant for most of its duration.
- ▪Jalen Williams is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain and could return for Game 1, though the Thunder have proven capable of winning without him.
- ▪The Thunder finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record despite Williams playing in only 33 games.
- ▪Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for 'elevation and belief' to compete against the Thunder without their star player.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NBA One injury changes everything in Lakers-Thunder series. Other might not matter By Michael Duarte Published May 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET There’s a quiet tension hanging over the Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and the Thunder. It’s an anxiety that you won’t find in a box score, but it hangs over every day in Los Angeles like a dark, impenetrable cloud. It’s the absence of Luka Doncic. Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined since April 2, is not expected to return at least until Game 3 of the series against the Thunder. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The MVP candidate’s absence lingers inside the Lakers’ practice facility and behind closed locker room doors.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
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