Once again, the Los Angeles Lakers discovered it does not matter what they do against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The outcome will stay the same.
The Lakers’ 125-101 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series on Thursday appears just as similar as their Game 1 defeat and their four regular-season setbacks. The reasons technically vary by the game. But regardless of any varying improvements or setbacks the Lakers experience, the Thunder simply have too much talent and depth to make any development irrelevant.
The Lakers competed enough to stay respectable. That didn’t matter with the Thunder forcing 20 turnovers to create instance offense. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played only 28 minutes because of persistent foul trouble. That didn’t matter because Gilgeous-Alexander still posted 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
Lakers forward LeBron James stayed aggressive to produce 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting and six assists. That didn’t matter because James had limited trips to the free-throw line (4-for-4) and became increasingly annoyed with the Thunder’s physicality going unchecked. Lakers guard Austin Reaves had a bounce-back performance in Game 2 (31 points on 10-for-16) after appearing sluggish in Game 1 (eight points on 3-for-16 clip). That didn’t matter without having Luka Dončić to help with additional scoring and playmaking duties.
Naturally, the Lakers might wonder how this series would look if Dončić didn’t remain sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. That seems like a pointless exercise, though. One, Dončić told reporters before Game 2 that doctors originally projected he would need eight weeks to heal the hamstring that he injured 5 ½ weeks ago in Oklahoma City. Two, Dončić has not received clearance to run yet after receiving non-invasive treatment in Spain and completing only stationary shooting drills. Third, Dončić’s presence didn’t make much of a difference in the regular-season games he played against the Thunder, anyway.
Therefore, neither the Lakers nor Dončić should feel pressured for him return without fully healing his hamstring. He would likely reinjure himself. He would unlikely change the outcome, anyway.
That leaves the Lakers in a precarious position entering Game 3 on Saturday while nursing a 0-2 series deficit. There does not seem to be any scenario that the Lakers can upset the Thunder. It even seems unlikely they could even win a game. The only exceptions? If Gilgeous-Alexander suffers an unexpected injury. If the Thunder mess around the entire game because they feel bored.
Otherwise, the Lakers lack anything to make the Thunder feel threatened. Sure, James will remain aggressive and try to draw more foul calls after Lakers coach JJ Redick lamented how officials handled Game 2. Sure, the Lakers will try to reduce their turnovers. Sure, the Lakers will maintain their defensive edge in hopes to make the job at least more difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren (22 points), Ajay Mitchell (20 points), Jared McCain (18 points) and Cason Wallace (12). The Lakers deserve credit for maintaining that attitude throughout Game 2. That partly explains why they kept the game competitive by going on various double-digit runs to close the gap.
Objectively, though, it doesn’t matter. Just when it seemed the Lakers could turn the tide, the Thunder responded with their own double-digit run. Besides, any adjustment requires the Lakers to play a perfect game. They may try, but it’s not sustainable. The Lakers can shore up their ball handling even without Dončić’s presence, but the Thunder have too many pesky defenders to disrupt those plans. The Lakers can become more disciplined on closeouts, but the Thunder have too many outside shooters to manage. The Lakers can try to limit Gilgeous-Alexander, but that didn’t matter during an inefficient shooting night in Game 1 and foul trouble in Game 2.
It remains understandable for the Lakers to become increasingly frustrated with the Thunder’s depth, with Dončić’s injury and with the officiating. To their credit, the Lakers still competed and stayed resilient to prove themselves a respectable opponent against the Thunder. To their detriment, however, the Lakers have discovered that doesn’t change the bottom-line result.
The Lakers will likely experience this depressing experience for two more games before their season ends. Then, a long summer awaits that requires the Lakers to construct a roster that can challenge Oklahoma City.
Dončić will have plenty of time to finally heal. Reaves will find out if the Lakers want to commit him to a long-term contract. James and the Lakers will determine whether they should renew their partnership even with a reduced role and reduced earnings. The Lakers will try to participate in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, while also improving on the margins.
Until then, though, the Lakers lack the youth, depth and continuity needed to make the Thunder feel tested.
