The California Post’s Lakers-Thunder West semifinals predictions
The California Post analyzes the Lakers' slim chances against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite the Lakers' resilience in the first round, the Thunder are widely regarded as a superior, well-rounded team. Experts question whether even a full-strength Lakers roster could compete with Oklahoma City's dominant defense and star power.
- ▪The Lakers defeated the Rockets in the first round despite missing key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for significant time.
- ▪Oklahoma City is led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and features a historically strong defense anchored by Chet Holmgren.
- ▪Lakers coach JJ Redick described the Thunder as 'one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,' highlighting the challenge facing his team.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NBA The California Post’s Lakers-Thunder West semifinals predictions By Ryan Kostecka Published May 5, 2026, 7:00 a.m. ET LeBron James vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Austin Reaves vs. Cason Wallace. Deandre Ayton vs. Chet Holmgren. JJ Redick vs. Mark Daigneault. 5 The best way to accurately describe the Lakers odds against the Thunder is similar to the famous quote from ‘Dumb and Dumber’: ‘So you’re saying there’s a chance’. ©New Line Cinema/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection The Lakers vs. Thunder is about as David vs. Goliath as it gets when it pits Hollywood’s team without the NBA’s leading scorer against the defending champions who are approaching history.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
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