Crippled Lakers Lose 3rd Straight in Blowout vs Oklahoma City 123-87

Written By Malcolm Xavier of The Lakers Room

It was all good just a week ago. Literally. The most interesting part of the game might have been the sideline exchange with Vando and Coach Redick. As far as on the court LA lost it's third straight game at home vs the Thunder (the second blowout in less than a week versus them). This game was tied 42-42 at one point in the second quarter. The Lakers had a very spirited first led by 10 points from Drew Timme in the period - he finished with 11. After it was tied on a Luke Kennard driving layup the Thunder called a timeout and after that timeout it was never a close game again. They closed the first half on a 23-5 run to lead 65-47 at half and never looked back.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander led Oklahoma City with 25 points on 10/15 shooting in 28 minutes. Isaiah Joe added 18 pioints off the bench all from deep on 6/9 shooting from beyond the Arc. LA has now tied with Houston in the loss column as they hold on to a slim lead for the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 50-29 record. The Lakers play Golden State on Thursday and hopes to have LeBron James available as it tries to snap the current skid and build momentum toward a playoff run that feels doomed before the start.