The Los Angeles Lakers are facing elimination from the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Saturday night’s Game 3 battle between the Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder served as another frustrating four quarters for LA.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed optimism about the series, as any coach typically would.
But he also didn’t shy away from the facts. Redick dropped a brutally honest take on the state of his team’s performance three games in.
JJ Redick Gets Real On Lakers’ Performance After Game 3
“They’ve kicked our ass three straight games,” Redick told reporters after the game. “They’re an incredible basketball team.”
Typically led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder saw Ajay Mitchell have the biggest game of the night against the Lakers. In 30 minutes of action, Mitchell shot 10-17 from the field to score 24 points. He logged a double-double with 10 assists, and also came down with four rebounds and produced three steals.
via Hoop Central: AJAY MITCHELL OVER THE LAST 4 GAMES:
21.0 PPG
6.5 APG
3.3 RPG
50.8% FG
38.9% 3P
88.2% FT
30.4 MPG
Only making $3 Million per year. 🤯
The reigning MVP had a solid showing as well. Gilgeous-Alexander clocked in for 33 minutes. While he had a tough shooting night, Gilgeous-Alexander still produced 23 points and dished out nine assists with just two turnovers.
On the Lakers’ side, Rui Hachimura led the way with 21 points in 39 minutes. LeBron James was behind him, putting up 19 points and coming two assists shy of a double-double.
The Thunder dominated the Lakers with a 131-108 score. Despite being down 0-3, JJ Redick told reporters he was confident his team still had a shot.
via Lakers Nation: JJ Redick says you typically can poke holes in a team during a playoff series, but the Thunder’s personnel has allowed them to adjust to everything the #Lakers have tried.
“They’re a terrific basketball team… Been very impressed with them. Still think we can beat them, but just gotta be better.”
The Lakers handled business in round one without Luka Doncic against the Houston Rockets. As expected, they were far from favorites in round two against the defending champs. Even with Doncic in games during the regular season between the Lakers and the Thunder, LA was winless.
In the playoffs, the Thunder are simply proving themselves to be the better team. If the Lakers can’t win Game 4 on Monday, May 11, they will see their season conclude.