Luka Doncic scores 12 points and exits due to injury, LeBron James contributes 13+6, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posts 28+7+7 as Thunder dominate Lakers

On April 3, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season game, the Thunder defeated the Lakers 139-96 at home, achieving their third straight victory over the Lakers this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Luka Doncic contributed 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists before exiting with a left leg injury. LeBron James finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Technical Statistics

Lakers: Luka Doncic 12 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists; LeBron James 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Austin Reaves 15 points, 4 rebounds; Jaxson Hayes 12 points; Bronny James 10 points

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists; Luguentz Dort 14 points; Jalen Williams 10 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists; Isaiah Joe 20 points

Game Process

The Lakers lacked focus early, committing consecutive turnovers, allowing the Thunder to seize the opportunity with a 9-2 run, prompting Coach Redick to call a timeout. After the timeout, the Lakers scored 2 points, but the Thunder maintained their hot shooting and unleashed another 9-0 surge. Dort continued his excellent perimeter shooting, and the Lakers struggled to match the Thunder's pace, leading to another timeout by Redick. The Lakers finally found their outside shooting, with Reaves and Kennard hitting three-pointers, but the Thunder's outside shooting remained sharp, also connecting on multiple threes. The Thunder exploded for 44 points in the first quarter, ending the period with a 23-point lead, with Dort making all four of his three-point attempts in the quarter. Entering the second quarter, the Thunder started with a 12-3 run to further extend the lead. Later, although the Lakers' offense showed noticeable improvement, the Thunder continued their hot shooting; when Gilgeous-Alexander drove for a layup, the Thunder led by 35 points. Towards the end of the quarter, the Lakers attempted a counterattack, but Wallace hit a three-pointer for the Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander converted a 2+1. At halftime, the Thunder led 82-51.

After the halftime break, both teams exchanged points through free throws, fast breaks, and jump shots early in the third quarter. Subsequently, the Thunder unleashed full perimeter firepower, with Joe hitting three consecutive three-pointers, expanding the lead to 38 points. Towards the end of the quarter, the Lakers' offense remained stagnant, and the Thunder capitalized with a scoring burst combining inside drives and outside shots. By the end of the third quarter, the Thunder held a commanding 112-67 lead, with the Lakers scoring only 16 points in the quarter; Doncic suffered a left leg injury during this period and exited the game. In the fourth quarter, due to the large deficit, key players like Gilgeous-Alexander and James did not play, and both teams fielded substitute players. The Lakers opened the fourth quarter with a 7-3 run, but the Thunder quickly responded, firmly controlling the game's momentum. Ultimately, the Thunder secured a decisive victory over the Lakers.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein