The Los Angeles Lakers enter Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, facing another difficult challenge after an 18-point loss in the opener. Already without Luka Doncic because of a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, the Lakers will also be without forward Jarred Vanderbilt on Thursday night.
Ahead of the matchup at Paycom Center, Lakers coach JJ Redick outlined adjustments to the team’s rotation plan. Redick said Los Angeles will use “at least” a nine-man rotation despite Vanderbilt being sidelined with a dislocated finger suffered during Game 1.
The Lakers also received positive news regarding Luke Kennard, who was upgraded to available after initially appearing on the injury report with neck soreness. With Oklahoma City holding a 1-0 series lead and continuing its dominant playoff run, Los Angeles faces increasing pressure to respond quickly.
JJ Redick Expands Los Angeles Lakers Rotation for Game 2
Redick confirmed before Thursday’s game that the Lakers will rely on a deeper rotation while trying to even the series against the defending NBA champions.
According to Dave McMenamin, the Lakers’ coach said before Game 2 that he will use “at least” a 9-man rotation tonight. It means he’ll call upon someone for minutes who wasn’t a part of the Game 1 rotation.
The adjustment comes after Vanderbilt was officially ruled out because of a right finger dislocation. Vanderbilt suffered the injury in the second quarter of Game 1 when his hand got caught on the backboard during a block attempt.
The injury forced Vanderbilt to leave after just six minutes. According to reports, the dislocation broke the skin and required immediate medical attention before the finger was reset and placed in a splint.
While Vanderbilt is sidelined, Redick indicated the Lakers still expect to distribute minutes across a larger group against Oklahoma City’s deep roster.
Jake LaRavia is expected to see an increased role off the bench, especially with Vanderbilt unavailable defensively against the Thunder’s athletic perimeter group led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Lakers are already playing without Doncic, who remains out while recovering from his hamstring injury. Doncic has begun running and progressing through rehabilitation, but has not yet been cleared for contact work.
The Lakers struggled offensively in Game 1 without their leading scorer, finishing with just 90 points in the 108-90 loss. Oklahoma City forced 18 turnovers and limited Los Angeles to 41.7% shooting from the field.
LeBron James scored 27 points in the opener, while Austin Reaves struggled with eight points on 3-of-16 shooting.
Luke Kennard Available as Los Angeles Lakers Seek Offensive Boost
GettyMarcus Smart #36, Austin Reaves #15 and Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles received some good news before tipoff, with Kennard officially upgraded to available despite ongoing neck soreness.
JJ Redick says Luke Kennard has been dealing with the neck soreness for at least a few weeks, but will play in tonight’s Game 2.
Kennard’s availability is important for a Lakers team searching for consistent perimeter shooting against Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense.
The veteran guard has played a reduced role since Austin Reaves returned from his oblique injury, but the Lakers still need Kennard’s floor spacing and shooting ability. Kennard shot just 1-for-4 in Game 1 and struggled to recreate the offensive impact he had earlier in the playoffs against Houston.
Redick acknowledged after the opener that the Lakers passed up several open three-point opportunities, including some from Kennard.
Meanwhile, Reaves remains under heavy scrutiny entering Game 2 after his difficult performance in the series opener. Reaves scored just eight points on 3-of-16 shooting and missed several uncontested looks against Oklahoma City’s defense.
The Lakers struggled offensively throughout the second half of Game 1, scoring only 37 points after halftime in the 108-90 defeat. LeBron James led the team with 27 points, while Rui Hachimura added 18 points and Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double.
Oklahoma City enters Game 2 of the postseason unbeaten at 5-0 and has now won five straight games against Los Angeles dating back to the regular season. The Lakers will try to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit before the matchup shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3.
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