Getty

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

If the Los Angeles Lakers were at all scoreboard watching last night, perhaps the inevitable feeling hit them squarely in the chest.

They saw the Oklahoma City Thunder being, well, the Oklahoma City Thunder, sweeping the Phoenix Suns and making quick work of the first round for three years in a row. 

We have to see them next? 

Yes, yes you do, L.A.

But the Lakers have unfinished business on tap. They lost Game 4 in Houston in disappointing fashion. From defensive lapses and stagnant offense to LeBron James’ eight turnovers and the typical JJ Redick conniptions, it was not a great showing for an L.A. team met with a golden opportunity to close out the series.

After all, the Lakers, like all teams, must prioritize rest where they can. If they lose again in Game 5, it only intensifies the brutal inevitable of playing a well-rested Oklahoma City team.

That’s a recipe for disaster … for anyone.

GettyThe Lakers could play the Thunder in the next round of the NBA playoffs.

But … There’s a Catch for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers won’t admit it — neither should they! — but the longer the first round goes on, they’ll lose some precious time to rest, yes, but it’ll grant Luka Doncic some more time to heal up before the Lakers head to Oklahoma City for Game 1.

Doncic, 27, has been out since April 2 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He briefly went to Europe seeking specialized treatment, but no one perhaps outside the Lakers exactly knows how effective any therapy Doncic received was. 

According to recent reports, Doncic will miss the first round and potentially a game or two of the second round, but those reports surfaced when it appeared the Lakers were headed for a sweep of the Rockets. Now that L.A.’s first round series will be extended by at least another couple of days, Doncic’s looming return becomes more fascinating.

Of course, there are trade offs. A longer first round series means more time for Doncic’s hamstring to heal, but that also means more time for the Thunder to rest and recover and get star forward Jalen Williams back.

Williams is also dealing with a hamstring injury, though it’s a Grade 1 strain, far less severe than what Doncic is battling.

If the Thunder don’t play again until the weekend and get Williams back for Game 1, welp.

That’s perhaps the worst-case scenario for the Lakers, even if it means they could get Doncic back in either Game 1 or Game 2.

Another Opportunity to Clinch Series Win + Thunder Series Looms Large

On Wednesday, the Lakers return to home base for a second chance to close out the Rockets. 

There is still plenty of speculation over the status of Kevin Durant, who has dealt with two different lower-body injuries in the last two weeks. 

If Durant plays, the series certainly gets more interesting. Minus Durant, the Rockets won Game 5 in spectacular momentum-boosting fashion — forcing turnovers, limiting James and getting back to their identity. 

It would take a collapse of epic proportions for the Lakers to lose in the first round. The Thunder are up next and waiting, with soon-to-be two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reinforcing his Best Player in the World status.

L.A. could get Austin Reaves back in Game 5. Doncic is closing in on a much-awaiting return. The Lakers have to feel better about their chances to perform against the Thunder, but it’ll be a massive mountain to climb.

Now let’s see if L.A. can deliver the final K.O. to Houston Wednesday night.