Lakers embrace underdog role before playoff series against Thunder
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 3
Lakers embrace underdog role before playoff series against Thunder
8 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 3
Los Angeles opens Game 1 as a heavy outsider after Oklahoma City swept the regular-season meetings 4-0, while Austin Reaves has returned but Luka Doncic is unlikely to start the series.
The Lakers reached the second round by beating Houston in six games, with LeBron James and Reaves helping close out Game 6 after momentum swung repeatedly in that series.
Players say limiting turnovers against the Thunder's physical defense will be crucial as the Lakers try to avoid an early deficit before any potential Doncic return.
Is locking up Austin Reaves to a max contract the right move for the Lakers' future, or a massive financial gamble?
With key injuries on both sides, are the underdog Lakers a bigger threat to the champion Thunder than the odds suggest?