NEW YORK — A New York Post column published on May 5, 2026, argues that the Los Angeles Lakers are not expected to pose a serious challenge to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in their pursuit of a second straight NBA championship.
The piece, headlined “Why Lakers won’t threaten Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder in repeat bid,” centers on the forthcoming Western Conference semifinal series between the two teams. According to the author, Gilgeous-Alexander’s play and the Thunder’s overall roster balance leave Oklahoma City firmly favored to advance.
The best-of-seven matchup is slated to begin later this week in Oklahoma City. Game dates and times had not been finalized at the time the column was released.
Source: New York Post
