The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t getting favorable predictions for the second-straight round during the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins had to end up walking back his take about the Lakers after his pre-first-round prediction. Will have to do it for the second round, too? Here’s what the former big man said on Tuesday, May 5:
“I got a better chance of having breakfast with Oprah and Beyoncé in the morning than they do at having a chance of winning this series,” Perkins said on ESPN.
The Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are tipping off on Tuesday night for Game 1.
The Lakers Are Underdogs Again
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media following 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)
That’s just what happens when you have the NBA’s scoring champion stashed on the injury report.
Since the last few weeks of the 2025-2026 regular season, Luka Doncic has been recovering from a hamstring injury. His playoff status was in jeopardy from the jump.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 8: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
When the Lakers entered the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, many analysts, including Perkins, believed that LA would be one-and-done. Luke was out, along with Austin Reaves, leaving the Lakers to rely on the 41-year-old LeBron James.
As James stated, he is beating father time. Well, he did for the first round at least.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Houston Rockets during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 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)
The Lakers took down the Rockets in six games in order to move on. Now, they are facing the defending NBA Champions in the OKC Thunder.
According to most major sportsbooks, the Lakers are heavy underdogs for Game 1. They remain without Doncic, but at least they are starting the series with Austin Reaves in the lineup. Soon, we’ll see if it’s enough to put up a good fight against the dominant Thunder.