Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Opens Up About Potential Playoff Matchup With Lakers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles as Luka Doncic defends Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Opens Up About Potential Playoff Matchup With Lakers

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 10:47 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round for the third straight year and are now sitting back, watching, and waiting. Their likely second-round opponent is the Los Angeles Lakers, who lead the Houston Rockets 3-1 with Game 5 on the way.

In a postgame press conference and a separate on-court interview after OKC's series-clinching Game 4 win , Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke down exactly how he sees the Lakers and what Oklahoma City is preparing for.

"I've already been watching all of the Lakers and Houston series. Just continue to do so, watch both teams, see their strengths and weaknesses."

Shai:

"It'll either be the Lakers or Houston. Each pose their challenges. Houston is like more defensive and the Lakers are more offensive. But they're both really good teams and to make it out that series…you have to do a lot of things right. So we won't take them lightly" https://t.co/STWvPeWuiL pic.twitter.com/8TMpRcqLc4
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 28, 2026

And in the post-game press conference, he got more specific about what makes each team difficult.

"It'll either be the Lakers or Houston. Each pose their challenges. Houston is like more defensive and the Lakers are more offensive. But they're both really good teams and to make it out that series...you have to do a lot of things right. So we won't take them lightly."

Lakers vs OKC Thunder Second Round: Injury Updates and What Comes Next

Here is the uncomfortable part for Lakers fans. While Shai is already breaking down film, the Lakers are still figuring out who will actually be available to play. Luka Doncic has missed the entire first round with a hamstring strain and has no clear return timeline. Austin Reaves, dealing with an oblique strain, is now expected to play in Game 5 after missing the first four games.

JJ Redick was straightforward about what the Lakers are missing without Doncic and Reaves, pointing to their ability to handle the ball and attack the basket as the biggest hole in the lineup right now.

That showed up badly in Game 4. LeBron James, without his two primary playmakers beside him, finished with just 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting and eight turnovers. The Rockets won going away, 115-96. LeBron took the blame after the game and promised a better Game 5, but the larger concern is what a potential second-round matchup against Oklahoma City looks like without a full roster.

The Lakers still hold a 3-1 lead and will close out the series. But if Doncic is not back, or comes back without any real rhythm, facing a Thunder team that has the top offense and top defense in the playoffs this postseason is a serious problem.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram for the latest news.