Lakers vs. Thunder live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder burst on the scene with the franchise’s first NBA title last season. But perhaps the biggest test comes in the Western Conference semifinals series against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
What we know about this matchup is youth vs. experience. While the Thunder reached the peak with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James, 41, is still going into Year 23 and trying to advance to play for LA’s 18th championship in franchise history. There’s a ton of basketball still yet to be decided, and some of it will depend on the status of Luka Doncic.
The Lakers star injured his left hamstring in Oklahoma City about a month ago and hasn’t played since. The league scoring champion averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in the regular season.
The Thunder respect the Lakers but this series will be physical and bring out a different side with a spot in the conference finals on the line. Lakers coach JJ Redick isn’t overlooking OKC being a threat once again.
“It’s one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,” Redick said. “That’s the reality. They are. They’re that good. I think our guys recognize that and respect that, and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.”
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Lakers vs. Thunder live updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA playoffs
1st Quarter- 38.4 seconds: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw a lay up 29-26 Thunder lead.
1st Quarter- 1:15: Teams trade buckets with the game tied at 24
1st Quarter- 2:37: TV timeout. Both teams are committing bad turnovers. In first nine minutes: Three a piece for Lakers and Thunder.
1st Quarter- 4:14: LeBron James goes to the bench with Lakers up 20-19 after Chet Holmgren’s free throws.
1st Quarter- 5:04: Fastbreak dunk from LeBron James. 20-17 Lakers lead.
1st Quarter- 5:39:Rui Hachimura has a strong take to the basket for a layup 18-16 Lakers take the lead back.
1st Quarter- 6:56: TV timeout. LeBron James jumper ties game at 16.
1st Quarter- 7:13: Chet Holmgren hits a pair of free throws with OKC up 16-14.
1st Quarter- 8:17: Chet Holmgren nail a 3-pointer for Thunder 12-11 lead
1st Quarter- 8:35: Austin Reaves sinks two free throws for 11-9 lead
1st Quarter- 8:48: Thunder tie the game at 9.
1st Quarter- 10:30: Luguentz Dort puts OKC on the board with a 3-pointer. 7-3 Lakers lead
LEBRON JAMES DEEP THREE. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ioVPoaGD5a
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 6, 2026
1st Quarter- 10:58: LeBron James 3-pointer gives Lakers 7-0 lead.
1st Quarter- 11:46: LeBron James got right to the basket with a layup and foul (misses free throw) 2-0 Lakers.
Tip-off from Oklahoma City delayed for pregame will be approx. 8:44 p.m. ET
Game 1 starters in OKC: pic.twitter.com/BxtKnmq5zq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 6, 2026
How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Western Conference Semifinals
Tuesday, May 5
Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC/Peacock
More NBA Playoffs news:
- Pistons major comeback victory over Magic forces Game 7 in NBA playoffs
- Raptors need OT to outlast Cavaliers, force Game 7 in Cleveland
- T-Wolves crush Nuggets in six, advance to face Spurs in NBA PlayoffWes
- Knicks advance past Hawks with largest Playoff win in franchise history
- 76ers take Game 5 over Celtics in NBA playoffs
