Short-handed Thunder Look to Others as They Face Lakers

Oklahoma City will be without star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as they try to avoid a three-game skid against LeBron James and the Lakers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will again be without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the last two games with an abdominal injury, and the Thunder have also been without guards Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Despite the absences, the Thunder nearly beat the Houston Rockets on Saturday, with Cason Wallace scoring 23 points and Isaiah Joe adding 21 off the bench. The Lakers, meanwhile, are coming off a win over the Golden State Warriors, with LeBron James scoring 20 points and dishing 10 assists. The Thunder already have a win over the Lakers this season, but will need others to step up with their star player sidelined.

Why it matters

The Thunder are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season, and need to find a way to win without their leading scorer in Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers, meanwhile, are looking to build momentum as they try to climb the Western Conference standings.

The details

The Thunder committed 17 turnovers in their loss to the Rockets, leading to 27 points for Houston. Oklahoma City did see Jared McCain make his team debut, scoring 5 points in 14 minutes after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. For the Lakers, LeBron James had 20 points and 10 assists in their win over the Warriors, while Rui Hachimura scored 18 points and Austin Reaves had 16 points with 8 assists in his third game back from injury. The Lakers also got a boost from the debut of Luke Kennard, who scored 10 points with two 3-pointers.

  • The Thunder lost to the Spurs and Rockets in their last two games, both without Gilgeous-Alexander.
  • The Thunder and Lakers previously met on November 12, with Oklahoma City winning 121-92 behind 30 points and 9 assists from Gilgeous-Alexander.
  • The Lakers' win over the Warriors on Saturday was their second straight victory.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star guard has missed the last two games with an abdominal injury and will be out through the All-Star break.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran superstar scored 20 points with 10 assists in their win over the Warriors.

Cason Wallace

The Thunder guard scored 23 points in their loss to the Rockets on Saturday.

Isaiah Joe

The Thunder guard had 21 points off the bench in the loss to the Rockets.

Jared McCain

The newly acquired Thunder player made his team debut on Saturday, scoring 5 points in 14 minutes.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, this is a different group than we're used to playing with, but we had enough resources on both ends of the floor to win.”

— Mark Diagneault, Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach

“It wasn't pretty, but at the end of the day, the win's all, all that matters. I wouldn't say we played good but played good enough.”

— Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers Guard

“A lot of people kind of harp on his shooting, obviously, because he shoots the ball so elite. But his playmaking ability (is solid) as well. He is able to crack the defense when they run him off the (3-point) line.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.