Isaiah Hartenstein has been a player Los Angeles Lakers fans have been watching closely ahead of the 2026 offseason. With the Oklahoma City Thunder's cap books set to become a factor, many are eyeing that $28.5 million team option of I-Hart's as something that could be declined, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
That is why Lakers fans were listening attentively as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemingly took a shot at his starting center following the Thunder's decisive 122-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2. When asked about his starting center's impact, SGA initially passed on the opportunity to hype him up.
"I'm not sure if it was good, to be honest," Gilgeous-Alexander said of Hartenstein's impact in the on-court interview after Game 2.
To the disappointment of Lakers fans, this was not the slight that it was originally taken as by many. That was not Gilgeous-Alexander delivering a one-way ticket for his teammate out of Oklahoma City. It was all a big understanding that Shai cleared up at the postgame press conference.
"I didn't really hear her [on the court]. And then once I realized what she said [in here], I gave her the right answer. At first, I heard it wrong, what she said."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not pushing Isaiah Hartenstein out the door
For a group like the Thunder, and a player like Shai, it came across as incredibly surprising to hear him forgo the chance to prop up one of his teammates. Gilgeous-Alexander has typically been a player who is excited to throw praise at the supporting cast around him.
That is what made the initial moment with Hartenstein so confusing. That was especially true after his strong performance in Game 2.
Hartenstein finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass, and three assists in the win. The Thunder center also proved to be the superior option to throw at Victor Wembanyama throughout the night, rather than his All-Defensive teammate Chet Holmgren.
It was that kind of play that has consistently made Lakers fans believe Hartenstein would be an excellent fit beside Luka Doncic. That is why when — for a moment — it sounded like the Thunder felt they could do without him, Los Angeles fans could not help but perk their ears up.
Hartenstein could still be available as an offseason target. That much should not be ruled out. However, Lakers fans who believed that SGA's initial comments were a sign of cracks in the foundation between I-Hart and the Thunder were left disappointed.
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