4 key storylines to follow in Thunder-Lakers series

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday. After the Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and company have had a week’s worth of preparation ahead of their best-of-7 series against the Lakers.

All-Star Luka Doncic is ruled out for Game 1, but could make his playoff debut at some point in the second-round series. The Thunder hope to see Jalen Williams back in uniform. As Doncic and Williams’ respective returns loom, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles will proceed with the series opener at the Paycom Center.

Here are four key storylines to keep eyes on heading into the Thunder-Lakers series.

Luka Doncic’s potential return for Lakers

With the Thunder heading into a series without Jalen Williams cleared to play, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault feels for the Lakers, missing All-Star Luka Doncic. The return of both players would change the complexion of the series for their respective teams. However, for the Lakers, who lack roster depth and rely heavily on their starters, Doncic’s looming return will weigh heavily on the series.

Daigneault addressed Doncic’s absence in the Thunder-Lakers series ahead of Game 1.

“It’d be best for everybody if everybody was available all the time. That’d be the best product for the fans, best for me, best for the teams, best for the players. It’s obviously not realistic,” Daigneault said. “We go into every series preparing for every possibility. And we’ll go into this series prepared. Obviously, he would change a lot for them if he plays, but we’ll be prepared for every situation, including him playing or not playing.”

Marcus Smart has helped fill the void left behind while Doncic continues to recover from his hamstring injury. Scoring 20+ points in two consecutive games, which resulted in the Lakers’ 3-0 lead over the Rockets, Smart finished with 25 points, seven assists, and five steals in a 101-94 win in Game 2 before tallying 21 points, 10 assists, and five steals in Game 3.

Jalen Williams’ looming return for Thunder

Starting forward Jalen Williams helped the defending champions secure its title in a grueling seven-game Finals series against the Pacers. While the Thunder’s deep roster found success without Williams for most of the regular season, the Thunder are at their best when Jalen is healthy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted it himself, and it’s no exaggeration.

Williams, often tasked with the responsibility of defending the opposing team’s best player, would be the defender who has to stay in front of future Hall of Fame forward LeBron James. He’s also a 20+ point scoring threat, proficient facilitator, and, like most Thunder players, a 3-point shooting threat.

Williams’ Grade-1 left hamstring strain gives Thunder fans hope of an inevitable return against the Lakers, but nothing’s promised. One month removed from when he sustained the injury in Game 2 of their best-of-7 series against the Suns, Jalen is listed as week-to-week ahead of Game 1. The Thunder will announce its first injury report of its series against the Lakers on Monday.

Lakers Austin Reaves, Rui Hachumira’s two-way production

Austin Reaves’ return to the Lakers provided a lift in Game 6’s series-clinching victory. He followed up his 22-point, six-assist performance with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three blocks against the Rockets. Reaves is a vital piece to the Lakers’ offense, which will look for a lift from complementary players such as Rui Hachimura.

Hachimura helped lift the Lakers to a 112-108 win in overtime in Game 3 against the Rockets, scoring 22 points on an efficient 8-for-14 shooting, including four threes. Then, his 21 points helped seal the series 4-2, in Friday’s win. Hachimura could be the difference in the Lakers stealing a game on the road.

Starting the best-of-7 series without Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the Lakers will need a tremendous lift from Reaves and Hachumira to keep up with the Thunder’s electrifying offense, led by the league’s reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and top-ranked defense, led by All-Star Chet Holmgren.

Limiting Thunder guards’ offensive production

Limiting Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the tall order that teams have failed to do in the postseason. If the Lakers can stop the bleeding from their supporting cast — Lu Dort, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso — it’ll undoubtedly disrupt the Thunder’s offensive rhythm.

Shooting at a plus-45% from beyond the 3-point arc this postseason, Caruso (47.1%) and Mitchell (45%) efficiency kept the Suns at bay throughout their four-game sweep. Mitchell, starting in place of Jalen Williams, often anchors the Thunder’s second unit while Gilgeous-Alexander rests, and thrives as the team’s facilitator.

Joe, whose 42.3% 3-point shooting led the team throughout the regular season, is a constant threat. The Lakers also can’t forget about Jared McCain, who will make you pay if you’re not careful.

The post 4 key storylines to follow in Thunder-Lakers series appeared first on ClutchPoints.