The Los Angeles Lakers collected a great win and a must-win on Sunday over the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, 126-99. The Lakers were in control of the game from tip-off on and came away with their 48th win of the season.
It was a must-win for L.A. as the NBA season winds down this week. L.A. is in a tight race for seeding in the loaded Western Conference, and every game from here on out means something.
The Lakers played like it, and in impressive fashion, against arguably the best team in the league. Not only did the Lakers get the win, but the blowout also allowed them to empty their bench and play rookie guard Bronny James.
James entered the match with two minutes left in the contest and added to the onslaught the Lakers were handing the Thunder. James did his part to add to the game as he recorded three points on one shot attempt, which happened to be a three-pointer.
BRONNY JAMES pic.twitter.com/qF27VBuypQ
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) April 6, 2025
James also finished the game with one rebound and was a +4 in the plus/minus department.
The Lakers played their best basketball after a few weeks of mediocre basketball. L.A. was hitting on all cylinders, making 22 three-pointers, a season high.
Not only did James do his part in the blowout, but so did the Lakers’ big three in Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The three combined for 69 points, but it was Doncic who shined the most.
The 26-year-old was on fire from the start. Doncic finished the game with 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 37 minutes of action. Doncic shot 11-of-20 from the field, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc.
The Lakers improved to 48-30 and grabbed their 18th road victory of the season. With only four games remaining on the schedule, the Lakers have three more road games and one more home game.
L.A. will face the Thunder again on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and the Houston Rockets on Friday. Next Sunday, they will face the Portland Trail Blazers in the regular season finale.
As for the Thunderr, this game does nothing for them in the standings, as they have a stranglehold on the No. 1 seed in the West. The Thunder have a 13-game lead for the No.1 seed and clinched that spot a few games back.
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