Lakers List Four Players Out vs. Thunder

Injuries sideline key contributors ahead of crucial Western Conference matchup.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:10am

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The Los Angeles Lakers will be without four players - Marcus Smart, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, and Kobe Bufkin - for their upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 50-26 record, while the Thunder lead the conference at 60-16.

Why it matters

The Lakers are jockeying for playoff positioning in the West, so missing four rotation players could put them at a significant disadvantage against the conference-leading Thunder. Injuries this late in the season can have major implications on a team's postseason hopes.

The details

Marcus Smart is out with a right ankle contusion, while Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, and Kobe Bufkin are all sidelined due to G League assignments. On the Thunder side, former Laker Alex Caruso is listed as questionable with an illness, and Thomas Sorber remains out long-term with an ACL injury.

  • The Lakers and Thunder are scheduled to play on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Marcus Smart

A Lakers guard who is out with a right ankle contusion.

Adou Thiero

A Lakers player currently assigned to the G League.

Dalton Knecht

A Lakers player currently assigned to the G League.

Kobe Bufkin

A Lakers player currently assigned to the G League.

Alex Caruso

A Thunder player who is listed as questionable due to illness.

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What they’re saying

“The Lakers will need to find a way to win without some key contributors, but the Thunder present a tough challenge as the conference leaders.”

— Unnamed Lakers Analyst

What’s next

The Lakers and Thunder will face off on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The outcome of this game could have major implications on the Western Conference standings with the playoffs approaching.

The takeaway

Injuries this late in the season can be devastating, and the Lakers will need to find a way to overcome the absences of four players against the conference-leading Thunder. Their ability to adapt and win without key contributors will be crucial as they jockey for playoff positioning.