Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
NBA
Conference semi-finals
Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Lakers
Paycom Center
Oklahoma, United States
Friday, 8 May 2026
Game commences at 02:30
Following their defeat against Oklahoma City Thunder last time out, the LA Lakers will hope to level the series when the two sides clash in Game 2 of the NBA Conference semi-finals at the Paycom Center on Friday.
In the initial match of their Western Conference semi-final tie, Oklahoma defeated the LA Lakers 108-90, as Chet Holmgren starred with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Adding to the scoreline, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell added 18 points each, while Thunder noted 49.4% from the field and made 13 out of 30 3-pointers.
While the Lakers are without scoring talisman Luka Doncic, LeBron James put up 27 points at the Paycom Center, while Rui Hachimura added a further 18 for his side.
Thunder advanced to the Wester Conference semis following a first placed finish in the regular season with 64 wins, while the Lakers ended their campaign with 53 victories in fourth.
A win for the Lakers would see them gain home-court advantage before the Series moves to LA for the next two sides.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Speaking after Game 1, LA Lakers star LeBron James believes that his side need to be better at finding ways in attacking the paint, particularly against a defensively sound unit such as OKC.
"When you play against great defense, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times," James said.
"I felt like we had great shots, we missed them. When you're playing against the world champions, having a guy that averages 34 (points), six (rebounds) and eight or nine (assists), that's special.
"So we have to be better at finding ways to get to the blender, finding ways to get to the paint. We know they're a paint-swarming team, so we have to be better about getting to the paint, not turning the ball over and shooting with confidence."
NBA Conference Semi-finals games
Friday, 8 May
00:00: Detroit Pistons v Cleveland Cavaliers
02:30: Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Lakers
Saturday, 9 May
00:00: Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks
02:30: Minesota Timberwolves v San Antonio Spurs
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