The Los Angeles Lakers are down 1-0 in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 108-90 loss in Game 1 on Tuesday night at Paycom Center.
The defeat was not entirely surprising given the circumstances, but it did give JJ Redick a lot to think about. And when he met with reporters ahead of Game 2, he was candid about what his team is up against.
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“There’s a number of guys in the NBA that you just feel like when they shoot the ball it’s going to go in. Really, for him, it’s from everywhere. He’s seen every defense at this point. Similar to Luka, whatever defense you throw at them, he can problem solve,” Redick said, as reported by Joel Lorenzi.
Redick on SGA: “There’s a number of guys in the NBA that you just feel like when they shoot the ball it’s going to go in. Really, for him, it’s from everywhere. … he’s seen every defense at this point. Similar to Luka, whatever defense you throw at them, he can problem solve.”
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) May 8, 2026
That last part is what makes SGA genuinely difficult to gameplan for. The reigning NBA MVP finished Game 1 with just 18 points on a relatively quiet night by his standards, and yet he still had seven turnovers and found ways to impact the game enough for OKC to pull away comfortably.
Chet Holmgren dominated with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Los Angeles shot just 41 percent from the field while making 10 of 30 threes.
Redick’s comparison to Luka Dončić is interesting, given that the Slovenian is still out for the Lakers with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
His return timeline remains uncertain, though there is optimism within the organization that he could potentially rejoin the series in the later rounds. That’s a big if, as the Lakers don’t look like the favorites against OKC.
READ MORE: Is Luka Dončić Playing Tonight? Latest on the Lakers Star’s Injury Status for Game 2 vs. Thunder
Without him, the burden on LeBron James is enormous. James led the Lakers with 27 points and shot 12-of-17 from the field in Game 1, but the supporting cast has not been anywhere close to what it needs to be. Austin Reaves shot 3-of-16, which is also not up to his usual standards.
Redick acknowledged that turnovers and defensive breakdowns cost his team dearly in Game 1, particularly on offense, where the Thunder truly excel. SGA has been pivotal in every offensive step OKC has taken this postseason, but they do have the depth to carry them to the finish line if he fails to step up as well.
Game 2 tips off on Thursday night at Paycom Center. The Lakers need a win to avoid going home down 2-0 with two of the next three games in Oklahoma City.
