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Deandre Ayton has struggled to be the X factor the Lakers sorely need at center against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein against the Thunder.

What is shocking about the Thunder's win Saturday night is they steamrolled to victory over the prone body of an NBA legend.

The Lakers let another halftime lead slip away in the second half on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. Game 4 is Monday night.

In his second season at the helm, Redick locks into each phase of the game one at a time. "A little more sane," he says of his approach.

Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sport section give their thoughts on the Lakers, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Mike Trout and the Angels, the Kings and more.

After a subpar Game 1 effort against the Thunder, Reaves has a 31-point performance on Thursday, which coach JJ Redick said is needed.

When the Clippers tried to rebuild the team around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Oklahoma City not only acquired SGA but a host of draft picks that led to a powerhouse.

The Lakers played hard, played tough, played the Thunder from baseline to baseline, played strong enough to fly home with pride. But it's not enough.

Austin Reaves has a bounce-back performance with 31 points, but the defending champions dominate after halftime to open a 2-0 series lead.

The gruesome injury included the bone breaking through the skin, but his finger is back in place and splinted as he begins the recovery process.