This is the most lopsided series on paper — and it might not even be competitive.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best team in basketball all season and just rolled through the first round. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC is deep, elite defensively, and plays with pace that overwhelms teams.
Now look at the Lakers. Yes, they have LeBron James, but everything revolves around Luka Dončić — and he’s hurt. Luka is dealing with a hamstring issue and his availability is a major question heading into the series.
That changes everything.
The Thunder already dominated the Lakers in the regular season, winning all four matchups. With a healthy Luka, maybe you talk yourself into a series. Without him? It’s a mismatch.
How Thunder win: Speed, depth, and defensive pressure overwhelm LA
How Lakers win: Luka plays at near 100% (unlikely) and LeBron turns back the clock
There’s just no path here.
Prediction: Thunder sweep in 4
