The Los Angeles Lakers walked into Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night having already seen this script twice. They had competed in Games 1 and 2, and then watched the Oklahoma City Thunder pull away both times.
The formula was familiar. The result was the same.
In Game 3, Los Angeles led 59-57 at halftime. Rui Hachimura had been brilliant from beyond the arc, Luke Kennard had provided energy off the bench, and the building still believed something different was possible.
The third quarter ended that. Oklahoma City capitalized ruthlessly on Los Angeles’ ball-security problems, turning the period into a 14-0 advantage in points off turnovers. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Thunder had taken control. The final score was 131-108. Oklahoma City leads the series 3-0.
What the Thunder Showed
Ajay Mitchell started in place of the injured Jalen Williams and finished with a career-playoff-high 24 points and 10 assists, doing his most damage after the break when Los Angeles had no answers. Cason Wallace hurt Los Angeles early with 11 first-quarter points before the game had fully settled. Isaiah Joe came off the bench to hit back-to-back threes late in the third quarter, burying whatever hope the Lakers had carried into the fourth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 23 points and nine assists. Chet Holmgren added 18 points on efficient shooting and nine rebounds. Oklahoma City has now won all seven of its postseason games.
The Thunder did not need their best player to take over.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 09: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball against Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Redick Drops Honest Admission Before the Game
Before the game, JJ Redick had already identified a key problem. That assessment looked prophetic once the final buzzer sounded.
Redick laid out the problem plainly, acknowledging bluntly that Oklahoma City’s depth was a pivotal factor in the series.
“The big thing with them is their depth,” Redick said. “Literally, the other 13 guys are all top-seven or -eight rotation players in the NBA on any team. So they can just hit you with bodies as well.”
Game 3 proved every word of it.
GettyJJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron and the Lakers Are Running Out of Road
LeBron James finished with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds on the night. Austin Reaves started cold, missing his first five attempts, and finished with five turnovers that fed Oklahoma City’s transition game at its most dangerous. Hachimura’s 21 points and Kennard’s 18 off the bench helped keep the Lakers alive for a while, but they never had enough firepower to match what Oklahoma City brought in waves.
That has been the story of the series.
The Lakers simply do not have the depth to absorb Oklahoma City’s rotation. When the Thunder tighten their grip, Los Angeles has not found a reliable way to respond.
Game 4 is Monday. It is the last guaranteed game of the Lakers’ season.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Lakers
Redick saw it coming. Before the game, he described exactly how Oklahoma City’s depth could hurt his team. Then he watched it happen.
The Thunder are not done. The Lakers are almost out of time.
Monday is all that remains. Los Angeles will be trying to avoid the sweep.
JJ Redick Drops Honest Admission on Thunder as Lakers Face Elimination