"In the eyes of Lakers coach JJ Redick, every team his group faces is a test. Still, many wondered if the Lakers' litmus test would come from facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. Even with All-Star and league most valuable player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out with a strained abdominal, the Thunder are still a problem for most of the league."
"In the end, the Thunder had seven players score in double figures and pulled out a 119-110 win over the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers ( 32-19) had six players score in double figures, but it wasn't enough. LeBron James had 22 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, Marcus Smart had 19 points, Austin Reaves 16 off the bench, Jake LaRavia 14 and Rui Hachimura and Jaxon Hayes both had 12 points."
"Reaves provided the fans with a big-time highlight, driving down the lane and throwing down a two-handed dunk on Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins to end the first quarter. The Lakers had 20 turnovers the last time they played at Oklahoma City in a game L.A. got down by as much as 37 points before losing by 29. So, one point of emphasis for the Lakers was taking care of the basketball and then playing a high level of basketball despite the opponent."
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-110 at Crypto.com Arena despite missing All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers also played without Luka Doncic because of a left hamstring strain. Seven Thunder players scored in double figures while the Lakers had six, but OKC's balanced attack and Jalen Williams' late free throws secured the win. LeBron James finished with 22 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Austin Reaves dunked to end the first quarter, and the Lakers emphasized limiting turnovers after a previous 20-turnover collapse in Oklahoma City. The Thunder pulled away late with an 11-2 run in the fourth quarter.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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