As we enter the final weeks of the regular season, the OKC Thunder continues to be one of the most interesting stories. One analyst was so impressed with them that he chose them over one of the league’s most historic franchises.
During a recent episode of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith discussed a potential playoff series between the Thunder and the LA Lakers. Despite how things went during the regular season, he told Shannon Sharpe and JJ Redick that he thought the young team could get the job done.
“I know the Lakers had success with them most of the time in the regular season,” Smith said. “I just believe Oklahoma City can take them.”
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The OKC Thunder are currently just a half-game out of first place in the West, behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are led by an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as a potential finalist for Rookie of the Year in Chet Holmgren.
Given the current situation, the Lakers will have to climb the standings if they want to try their luck against the Thunder. LeBron James and company are currently in ninth place at 34-29. If they sneak into seventh or eighth place, they will play for the No. 7 seed in the first round of the Play-In tournament.
How did the OKC Thunder fare against the LA Lakers this season?
The OKC Thunder have taken care of most of their competition this season, but Stephen A. Smith has a point. In the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers were dominant in the match.
These teams have already completed their season series, with LA winning three of the four matchups. The Thunder’s only victory against the Lakers this season dates back to November 30. OKC traveled to Los Angeles on Monday night for the final game of the season series and ended up losing by a final score of 116-104.
One thing the Thunder have going for them is that their star player has consistently performed well against the Lakers. In the four confrontations, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27.8 points and 6.0 assists on 52.1% shooting.
As the playoffs approach, experience will be the main thing brought up when discussing the OKC Thunder. With their core being so young, they have an extremely minimal number of playoff games under their belt.
Even though the Lakers haven’t been the most dominant team in the league, they have a lot of experience. This is something they will count on once the playoffs are over. They proved how important it is to have playoff reps. Notably last season, when they eliminated the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.
After playing so hard to secure a top seed this year, the last thing the Thunder wants is to face a team full of veterans to open the playoffs.
