If you want to be the champs, you have to beat the champs — and right now, the Lakers are nowhere near the level of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This game was a stark reminder of the distance between where the Lakers are and where a true contender like OKC operates.
Shai Clearly Won the MVP Duel
When two MVP-level guards meet, you expect a heavyweight fight. Instead, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a masterclass in control, efficiency, and pressure. He got to his spots, lived in the midrange, and punished every defensive mistake the Lakers made. Luka Doncic finished with a solid line — 19 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists — but he never dictated the flow.
SGA did. His scoring bursts set the tone and kept OKC ahead comfortably. When two MVP candidates share the floor, the one who controls tempo usually wins the narrative. Tonight, Shai pulled ahead.
Not a Perfect Measuring Stick… But Still Telling
It’s important to remember that both teams were shorthanded. The Lakers didn’t have LeBron James, and the Thunder didn’t have Jalen Williams. But even with that context, this game wasn’t close.
The Thunder built an early lead — jumping out 11–0 — and never let up. By halftime, the Lakers trailed 70–38, a deficit that captured both their offensive stagnation and their defensive breakdowns. Key players like Austin Reaves did what they could (13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), but the Lakers just could find a flow.
You shouldn’t overreact to one November game — but you can’t ignore a loss this decisive.
OKC Looks Like a Finished Product
The Thunder played like a team with identity, cohesion, and confidence. Their ball movement was sharp, their rotations disciplined, and their role players filled every gap around Shai. The Lakers, meanwhile, are still trying to find their identity.
Turnovers, slow transition defense, and long scoring droughts — including an eight-minute stretch without a field goal — all pointed to deeper issues than simple roster absences.
The Lakers are far from being a championship. The players, coaching staff, and front office all have work to do if they want to achieve that.
