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LA Lakers need LeBron James with Luka Doncic and other takeaways from humiliating loss to OKC Thunder
Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images

LA Lakers need LeBron James with Luka Doncic and other takeaways from humiliating loss to OKC Thunder

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy  |  Last updated Nov 13, 2025 12:05 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were absolutely pummeled by the OKC Thunder in their first clash of the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers barely looked like the championship-caliber team we’ve seen them be against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they were blown out by 30+ points at halftime.

It was a brutal performance from the Lakers, who just couldn’t get past the stifling defense from the Thunder, losing 92-121 in the end. What made things worse was their own defensive weakness on the night.

Did Nico Harrison deserve to be fired?

The Lakers might revisit their stance on trading Austin Reaves after his abysmal performance on the night. But if that is the case, they’d have to be like Nico Harrison and trade Luka Doncic, too.

But the loss to the defending champions can be the learning experience the Lakers need to address the gaps in their roster, if they recognize these three lessons from tonight’s bludgeoning.

Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images

LA Lakers cannot pretend they don’t need LeBron James

Prior to tonight’s game, there was a lot of talk about the Los Angeles Lakers and whether they still need LeBron James after the strong start to the season.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves played well together, and many felt that James could be a difficult player to fit in upon his return.

But in the loss to the Thunder, we saw that the Lakers were lacking a third outlet and a strong driving presence, two things LeBron excels at. Perhaps this loss can show fans how ridiculous that narrative is.

James is one of the most intelligent players in the NBA and can adapt to any situation. Furthermore, James trusts Reaves and Doncic and will help them in whatever way.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves can’t carry scoring load every night

Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have averaged more than 30.0 points per game to start the season. But the two stars struggled to shoot the ball, and it cost the Lakers.

Luka Doncic scored 19 points on 7-20 shooting, while Austin Reaves went 4-12 from the field while scoring just 13 points.

The Lakers had to rely on Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht to provide double-digit scoring. When that happens, the Lakers are more likely to lose than they are to win the game.

LA Lakers shown defensive blueprint by OKC Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled on the defensive end of the court for years now. Gone are the days when the Lakers were one of the premier teams in the NBA.

Losing Anthony Davis was perhaps the biggest blow their team defense took over the years, as when healthy, the big man had Defensive Player of the Year potential.

After Nico Harrison was fired, where could Anthony Davis be traded to?

But if the Lakers want to strive to improve on the defensive end, they can learn from the OKC Thunder. The Thunder have big players, but their defensive strength comes from their activity.

The Lakers must try to emulate the Thunder’s hustle, speed, and effort on the defensive end if they hope to mount a serious championship challenge.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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