The Los Angeles Lakers' 2025-26 season concluded with a second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team's campaign was significantly impacted by a left hamstring injury sustained by star guard Luka Dončić in a regular-season game, which sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.
I. Regular Season: Thunder Defeat Lakers in Dominant Fashion; Dončić Injured
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96, one of the largest losses in Lakers franchise history by a margin of 43 points.
Lakers guard Luka Dončić exited the game in the third quarter after sustaining a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred as he attempted a mid-range jumper. Coach JJ Redick confirmed Dončić was scheduled for an MRI. Dončić finished with 12 points on 3-for-10 shooting.
Game Summary: The Thunder established a double-digit lead less than four minutes into the game and held a 23-point lead after the first quarter. Oklahoma City led 82-51 at halftime.
Key Stats:
- Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28 pts), Isaiah Joe (20 pts, 6 threes), Lu Dort (14 pts).
- Lakers: Austin Reaves (15 pts), LeBron James (13 pts), Luka Dončić (12 pts, 7 asts).
II. Regular Season Finale: Injury-Depleted Lakers Lose to Thunder
The Thunder defeated the Lakers 123-87, sweeping the season series. The 87 points were the Lakers' lowest total of the season.
The Lakers played without Luka Dončić (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique), LeBron James (rest), and others. Dončić and Reaves were ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.
Game Summary: The game was competitive until midway through the second quarter, after which the Thunder went on a 23-5 run. The Lakers scored only 22 points in the final 24 minutes.
Key Stats:
- Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander (25 pts, 8 asts), Chet Holmgren (15 pts, 10 reb), Isaiah Joe (6 threes).
- Lakers: Rui Hachimura (15 pts), rookie Adou Thiero (career-high 10 pts).
III. Regular Season: Lakers Defeat Warriors
The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors while the Warriors played without Stephen Curry.
LeBron James led the way with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Other Key Lakers:
- Deandre Ayton: 21 pts, 5 reb
- Jake LaRavia: 16 pts, 7 reb
- Rui Hachimura: 12 pts
- Bronny James: 10 pts
IV. Regular Season: Lakers Defeat Pelicans
Luka Dončić recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans.
Other Contributors:
- LeBron James: 21 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast
- Austin Reaves: 15 pts, 8 reb
- Deandre Ayton: 13 pts, 8 reb
- Marcus Smart: 10 pts, 4 stl, 3 blk
V. Regular Season: Lakers Defeat Rockets in Defensive Battle
The Lakers won their sixth consecutive game, defeating the Houston Rockets 100-92.
Luka Dončić scored 36 points and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Other Leaders:
- LeBron James: 18 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
- Austin Reaves: 15 pts, 5 ast, 4 stl
- Marcus Smart: 11 pts
VI. Regular Season: Lakers Defeat Cavaliers
The Lakers won their 50th game of the season, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-113. It was their fourth consecutive win and 13th in 14 games.
Luka Dončić scored 30+ points for the 13th consecutive game, finishing with 42 points and 12 assists.
Other Leaders:
- Austin Reaves: 19 pts, 6 reb
- Deandre Ayton: 18 pts, 9 reb
- LeBron James: 14 pts, 6 ast
VII. Playoffs - First Round: Lakers Defeat Rockets (4-2)
The Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 4-2 in the first round despite playing without the injured Luka Dončić.
- Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98 — Luke Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 points. LeBron James had 19 pts and 13 ast.
- Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94 — LeBron scored 28 pts; Marcus Smart added 25 pts and 7 ast.
- Game 3: Lakers 112, Rockets 108 (OT) — LeBron: 29 pts, 13 reb, 6 ast. Smart: 21 pts, 10 ast, 5 stl.
- Game 4: Rockets 115, Lakers 96 — The Lakers committed 23 turnovers. LeBron scored 10 pts on 2-of-12 shooting.
- Game 5: Rockets 99, Lakers 93 — Austin Reaves returned from injury, scoring 22 pts.
- Game 6: Lakers 98, Rockets 78 — Rui Hachimura made 5 of 7 threes for 21 pts. LeBron: 28 pts, 8 ast, 7 reb.
VIII. Playoffs - Second Round: Thunder Defeat Lakers (4-0)
The Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, losing the series 4-0.
- Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90 — The Lakers held Gilgeous-Alexander to 18 pts, but Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart combined for 7-of-31 shooting.
- Game 2: Thunder 131, Lakers 108 — The Lakers led 68-66 at halftime but were outscored 65-40 in the second half.
- Game 3 & 4: The Thunder completed the sweep, eliminating the Lakers from the playoffs.