The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Los Angeles looking to take full control of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Lakers on Saturday night after grabbing a 2-0 lead.
Oklahoma City rolled to a 125-107 victory in Game 2 on Friday behind 22 points from Chet Holmgren. The top-seeded Thunder have carried that momentum into the playoffs with strong play on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers will try to respond at home after struggling to slow Oklahoma City’s efficient offense. Los Angeles got 31 points from Austin Reaves in the last meeting, but the absence of Luka Doncic has put pressure on LeBron James and the supporting cast.
James is averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season for Los Angeles, while Rui Hachimura has averaged 16.4 points over the last 10 games.
Oklahoma City is led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 31.1 points and 6.6 assists during the regular season. Holmgren has also provided a major boost, averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds over the past 10 games while shooting 61.1% from the field.
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Lakers vs. Thunder live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 3
LeBron James is playing in his 301st NBA Playoff game of his 23-year career tonight. Lakers in white uniforms with purple letter and numbers with gold trim. Thunder wearing blue uniforms with white letter and numbers with orange trim.
Tip-off from LA delay due to TV commitments. Approx. 8:43 p.m. ET for start of Game 3.
More from Austin Reaves' talk with the officials after Game 2
Monty McCutchen on the Austin Reaves/Lakers situation with John Goble after Game 2:
“We teach our officials to go to center court so we’re not leaving at the same time when emotions can run high. Most certainly, we want interactions to be professional there, I do think that had… https://t.co/m8AOrNPvaQ
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) May 10, 2026
King James is DIALED for Game 3 vs. OKC 😳👑
The Lakers look to get their first win of the series on ABC and the ESPN App at 8:30 ET 🍿 pic.twitter.com/FwGC2kmU3v
— ESPN (@espn) May 9, 2026
Jarred Vanderbilt is available for Game 3 vs. the Thunder, JJ Redick announced.
Vanderbilt fully dislocated his right pinky in Game 1 on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/RDhWkxQhLm
— ESPN (@espn) May 9, 2026
How to Watch Western Conference Semifinals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 3
Saturday, May 9
Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC (Available on Fubo TV)
Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Thunder is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Lakers vs. Thunder series schedule
Oklahoma City leads 2-0
Date Game Time (ET) Watch
May 5 Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90 — —
May 7 Game 2: Thunder 125, Lakers 107 — —
May 9 Game 3 at Los Angeles 8:30 p.m. ABC, ESPN app, DIRECTV
May 11 Game 4 at Los Angeles 10:30 p.m. Prime Video
May 13 Game 5* at Oklahoma City TBA TBA
May 16 Game 6* at Los Angeles TBA TBA
May 18 Game 7* at Oklahoma City TBA TBA
* If necessary
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