Doncic Leads Lakers Against Thunder After 42-Point Game

Lakers and Thunder square off for the third time this season after Oklahoma City's previous win.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:36am

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The Los Angeles Lakers (50-26, third in the Western Conference) will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (60-16, first in the Western Conference) on Thursday night. The Lakers are coming off a 127-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Luka Doncic's 42-point performance. The Thunder have been dominant this season, going 37-9 against Western Conference opponents and ranking fourth in the NBA in defensive rebounds per game.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the top teams in the Western Conference, with the Thunder leading the conference and the Lakers sitting in third place. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the playoff seeding in the West.

The details

The Thunder have been led by the strong play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.6 points and 6.5 assists per game. Chet Holmgren has also been a key contributor, averaging 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds over the last 10 games. For the Lakers, Doncic has been dominant, averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Austin Reaves has also been a consistent scorer, averaging 19.9 points and 5.5 assists over the past 10 games.

  • The teams will face off on Thursday, April 4, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
  • The Thunder won the previous matchup between the two teams on February 10, 2026, with a score of 119-110.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player, averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's leading scorer, averaging 31.6 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's starting center, averaging 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-leading scorer, averaging 19.9 points and 5.5 assists per game over the past 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for a tough battle against the Thunder. They are a very talented team, and we will need to bring our best effort to come away with a win.”

— Luka Doncic, Lakers Player

“Our defense has been the key to our success this season. We will need to continue to play tough, physical defense to slow down the Lakers' offense.”

— Chet Holmgren, Thunder Player

What’s next

The outcome of this game will have a significant impact on the playoff seeding in the Western Conference. The Lakers and Thunder are both vying for top positions, and this matchup could determine which team has the upper hand heading into the postseason.

The takeaway

This game features two of the top teams in the NBA, with the Thunder leading the Western Conference and the Lakers sitting in third place. The outcome of this matchup could have major implications for the playoff race, as both teams are looking to secure the best possible seeding heading into the postseason.