Looking at the 0-2 deficit and the double-digit losses in both Game 1 and Game 2 could mislead anyone into believing the Los Angeles Lakers are absolutely cooked. The Oklahoma City Thunder will undoubtedly remain the favorites, and rightfully so. Even with that being true, there should be plenty of room for optimism.
There will need to be a focused effort to clean up areas like turnovers and second chance points ahead of Game 3. There will also be a desperate plea for officiating that does not drive the players and coaches wild during and after the contests.
Austin Reaves spends some time after the final whistle talking to the officials.pic.twitter.com/bEkQD4skAd
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 8, 2026
However, the Thunder have looked very beatable on the whole. The first two games in Oklahoma City may have gotten away from the Lakers as they went on. Even so, the margins between victory and defeat have been slimmer than expected.
The Lakers quietly have a lot of good things brewing for them that homecourt could help equalize in Games 3 and 4. The opportunity to shift this series back to Oklahoma City nodded at two apiece will be there.
Lakers are quietly collecting positive after positive despite the defeats
Lakers reporter Dan Woike had a great quote amid the Game 2 loss on one of the first things LA fans can point to for hope. A clear identity and culture has brewed for their team.
"There's been a lot of talk this season about all the things the Lakers aren't, but they've really developed into a tough basketball team," Woike said.
Ever since their breakthrough stretch in March, the Lakers' chemistry has shot through the roof. They are a team who will battle for each other, claw for each other, and do what is needed for each other. That is encouraging.
As is the bounce-back performance from Austin Reaves in Game 2. The Lakers need Reaves at his best with Luka Doncic potentially slated to miss the entire series. The talented offensive guard understood as much himself. After talking about being better, he was better.
JJ Redick has coached a great series. LeBron James continues to deliver strong outings. Rui Hachimura is hitting triples like his life (or at the very least his payday) depends on it. Even Luke Kennard found his touch again in Game 2 after a shooting slump.
The Lakers are not hiding from their needed areas of improvement either. They have done a strong job slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, they are turning their focus to finding solutions as to how they win the non-SGA minutes which have largely crushed them so far.
The back-to-back 18-point losses look deceptive. Games 1 and 2 have been close, competitive, and hard-fought. Momentum could have swung in either direction at pivotal points of those matchups, the Lakers have just not quite been able to fully put their food on the pedal when ahead yet.
Winning this series without Doncic was always wishful thinking, at best. However, the Lakers have not played like a team ready to roll over and die. With the next two on their homecourt, Los Angeles should expect their squad's strongest effort yet.
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