The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their four-game road trip on Thursday with a contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the Thunder’s success to start the season, the Lakers were hoping for a win in order to finish with a 3-1 record on this trip.
Early on, things looked good for them. They jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, but that lead evaporated amidst a Thunder run that gave the home team a lead with 7:33 left in the second quarter. The Thunder made it rain afterward, as they scored 42 points in the period by getting out on the fast break off L.A.’s misses and miscues, and they led 72-60 at halftime.
Los Angeles had trouble with the Thunder’s zone defense, and it was never able to make things competitive afterward, as it ended up losing 133-110.
With an 11-9 record, the Purple and Gold are holding on to the edge of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. They will return home to host the Houston Rockets, who are currently 8-8, on Saturday evening.