The Los Angeles Lakers will open the Western Conference semifinals against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, May 5, at Paycom Center, the NBA announced.
Los Angeles advanced after eliminating the Houston Rockets in six games, closing the series with a blowout win despite the absence of Luka Doncic and only two appearances by Austin Reaves. LeBron James paced the Lakers, who built a 3-0 cushion before Houston forced Games 5 and 6.
Oklahoma City enters the series rested after sweeping the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns. Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 33.8 points and eight assists on 55.1% shooting during the postseason.
Head coach JJ Redick said Reaves’ return and three off-days before Game 1 are critical as Los Angeles prepares for Oklahoma City’s physical style. Doncic is not expected to play at the start of the series but could become available later.
Series schedule
The league has not yet set tipoff times or broadcast information.
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 5 – Paycom Center
- Game 2: Thursday, May 7 – Paycom Center
- Game 3: Saturday, May 9 – Crypto.com Arena
- Game 4: Monday, May 11 – Crypto.com Arena
- Game 5*: Wednesday, May 13 – Paycom Center
- Game 6*: Saturday, May 16 – Crypto.com Arena
- Game 7*: Monday, May 18 – Paycom Center
*If necessary
The Thunder won the regular-season series, dominating both meetings in Oklahoma City. Los Angeles aims to generate consistent offense against one of the league’s top two-way teams while limiting turnovers that could fuel the Thunder’s transition attack.
Source: Lakers Nation
