Lakers respect the Thunder but insist they aren't intimidated by them
The Lakers know they're considered major underdogs heading into their playoff matchup against Oklahoma City, but they're focused on winning the series.
Austin Reaves loses the ball in front of Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Alex Caruso during a Lakers loss in April 2025. The Lakers and Thunder open their best-of-seven playoff series Tuesday. (Joshua Gateley / Getty Images) The Lakers understand the daunting challenge they're about to face against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Lakers coach JJ Redick referenced the great Chicago Bulls teams that won back-to-back championships in 1996 and '97 and the Golden State Warriors teams that won titles in 2015 and '17 when talking about the Thunder after practice Sunday. “The Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,” Redick said. “It's just the reality.
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. ” Read more: An early look at how the Lakers and Thunder match up entering their playoff series The Thunder had the best record in the regular season at 64-18.
They were ranked first in defensive field-goal percentage (43. 7%), first in defensive rating (106. 5), first in net rating (43.
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