Quick Read
- Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 on February 9, 2026.
- Marcus Smart scored 19 points for the Lakers.
- The loss ended the Lakers’ three-game winning streak.
- The Thunder, reigning NBA champions, outscored the Lakers 24-14 in second-chance points.
- Lakers’ record dropped to 32-20, remaining at No. 5 in the Western Conference.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart registered a solid 19 points on Monday night, but his individual effort ultimately proved insufficient as the Lakers fell 119-110 to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. The defeat brought an end to the Lakers’ three-game winning streak and highlighted persistent issues with defensive rebounding that the Thunder expertly exploited.
The highly anticipated matchup on February 9, 2026, saw the Lakers struggle to contain a relentless Thunder squad, particularly on the offensive glass. While Smart’s scoring provided a crucial spark, contributing significantly to the team’s offense, the Lakers were unable to overcome their fundamental challenges in securing possessions, a factor that ultimately dictated the game’s outcome.
Marcus Smart’s Performance Amidst Lakers’ Struggles
Marcus Smart, a key figure in the Lakers’ backcourt, contributed 19 points against the formidable Thunder defense, as reported by the New York Post. His offensive output was a bright spot for the Lakers, who faced an uphill battle against the reigning champions. Despite Smart’s efforts, and LeBron James’s team-leading 22 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds—marking his third consecutive game with a points-assists double-double—the Lakers found themselves trailing.
Austin Reaves also added 16 points and seven assists off the bench, providing essential support. However, the team’s overall performance was marred by an inability to consistently secure defensive rebounds, allowing the Thunder multiple second-chance opportunities. Smart’s defensive presence was tested, as he was frequently seen battling for position against Thunder players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace, as captured in images from the game.
Rebounding Woes and Thunder’s Dominance
The Lakers’ primary downfall against the Thunder was their struggle with defensive rebounding and ball security. According to the New York Post, Oklahoma City outscored Los Angeles 24-14 in second-chance points, demonstrating a significant advantage on the offensive glass. The Thunder grabbed five more offensive rebounds than the Lakers, effectively widening their scoring margins throughout the contest.
Lakers coach JJ Redick had specifically cautioned his team about turnovers prior to the game, and initially, his warnings appeared prescient. The Lakers committed 10 turnovers in the first half, resulting in 20 points for Oklahoma City and contributing to a game-best 14-point lead for the Thunder in the second quarter. While the Lakers managed to clean up their act in the second half, reducing turnovers to just five for three Thunder points, the rebounding deficit remained insurmountable.
Key Moments and Western Conference Implications
The turning point in the game arrived in the fourth quarter. With just over five minutes remaining, Cason Wallace secured a critical offensive rebound for the Thunder, leading directly to a Jalen Williams layup that put Oklahoma City up 102-99. This play encapsulated the night-long trend of the Thunder capitalizing on every margin and maintaining their lead for the remainder of the game.
The Thunder’s balanced attack saw role players step up significantly, with Isaiah Joe earning MVP honors for the game. Joe finished with 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including nine points from three-pointers in the first quarter alone, helping the Thunder establish a 67-58 lead by halftime. This victory solidified the Thunder’s standing as a dominant force in the league.
For the Lakers, the loss dropped their record to 32-20, keeping them at the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings. The end of their three-game winning streak means they have not won more than three consecutive games since late November. The team now faces a quick turnaround, hosting the San Antonio Spurs, who are No. 2 in the West, on Tuesday night, presenting another significant challenge.
The Lakers’ inability to convert Marcus Smart’s offensive contributions into a victory against a championship-caliber team like the Thunder underscores the critical importance of fundamental aspects such as defensive rebounding and consistent ball security, which continue to be defining factors in their Western Conference campaign.