Lakers Face Tough Test Against Defending Champ Thunder

Two matchups in five days will be a measuring stick for the surging Lakers

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:04am

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The Los Angeles Lakers, led by MVP candidate Luka Dončić, will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder twice in the next five days. These games are seen as a crucial test for the Lakers, who have been playing their best basketball of the season but are yet to beat the Thunder this year. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber season, are the only team to reach 60 wins so far this year and present a formidable challenge on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

These matchups against the Thunder will be a true test of how legitimate the Lakers' recent success has been. The Thunder are the defending champions and the best team in the league this season, so if the Lakers can beat them, it would solidify their status as a true contender. However, if the Lakers struggle, it could raise questions about how much their recent hot streak is sustainable.

The details

The Lakers and Thunder will face off on Thursday, April 2nd and then again a few days later. The Lakers have yet to beat the Thunder this season, and Lakers coach JJ Redick has praised the Thunder's physicality and ability to drive to the paint. The Lakers will need to find a way to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is having an MVP-caliber season for the Thunder.

  • The Lakers and Thunder will play on Thursday, April 2nd at 6:30pm PT.
  • The two teams will face off again in a rematch a few days later.

The players

Luka Dončić

The Lakers' MVP candidate who has led their recent surge.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star player who is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging over 31 points per game.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who praised the Thunder's physicality and ability to drive to the paint.

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What they’re saying

“'I do know that they're great on both sides of the ball. They're going to make you work for things defensively because of how physical they are. They just do a great job of driving. You really have to do your best to keep them out of the paint.'”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers and Thunder will face off again in a rematch a few days after their first matchup on April 2nd.

The takeaway

These games against the defending champion Thunder will be a true test of the Lakers' legitimacy as a contender. If they can beat the league's best team, it would solidify their status, but if they struggle, it could raise questions about the sustainability of their recent hot streak.