Depleted Lakers fall to league-best Thunder for third straight loss
By Khobi Price
Published on April 8, 2026.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the league-best Thunder for the third consecutive game, despite several key players including Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes being available. Despite a strong start, the Lakers struggled, scoring only 22 points over their next 24 minutes of playing time. This was their lowest scoring total in a game this season. The Lakers' 45.2% free-throw percentage was their worst in a season. They remain at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings with a 50-29 record, a game behind the Nuggets.
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