Jalen Williams leads Thunder past Lakers with SGA, Luka out

Thunder snap two-game skid as Williams scores 23 points in return from injury

Feb. 10, 2026 at 6:15am

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Jalen Williams scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half in his return from a 10-game injury absence, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic sidelined due to injuries, the supporting casts played a physical game featuring 52 combined free throws. LeBron James scored 14 of his 22 points in the second half for the Lakers, whose three-game winning streak ended.

Why it matters

The Thunder's win over the Lakers showcases the team's depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome the absences of their two superstars. This game highlights the competitive nature of the NBA, where teams must adapt to injuries and find ways to win without their top players.

The details

Jalen Williams, who had been out with a hamstring strain, and Jaylin Williams both hit big jumpers to help the Thunder pull away late. Chet Holmgren added a key put-back dunk in the final minutes. Isaiah Joe scored 19 points and Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench for Oklahoma City. Marcus Smart scored 19 points and Austin Reaves had 16 for the Lakers, who dropped to 14-9 at home.

  • Jalen Williams had been out for 10 games with a hamstring strain.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's abdominal injury will keep him out through the All-Star Game this weekend in Inglewood, California.
  • Luka Doncic missed his second straight game with a mild hamstring strain.

The players

Jalen Williams

A player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who scored 23 points in his return from a 10-game injury absence.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP who sat out this game due to an abdominal injury.

Luka Doncic

The current NBA scoring leader who missed this game with a mild hamstring strain.

LeBron James

A player for the Los Angeles Lakers who scored 22 points in the game.

Chet Holmgren

A player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcases the depth and resilience of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were able to overcome the absences of their two superstars and secure a victory over the Lakers. It highlights the competitive nature of the NBA, where teams must adapt to injuries and find ways to win without their top players.