When does the Lakers vs Thunder NBA playoff series start and what is the schedule?

Series Start Date Confirmed

The Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78 in Game 6 on May 2, 2026, setting up a second-round matchup with the Thunder. Game 1 of the Lakers vs Thunder series will start on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Oklahoma City.

Complete Series Schedule

Game 1: Tuesday, May 5 at OKC. Game 2: Thursday, May 7 at OKC. Game 3: Saturday, May 9 in Los Angeles. Game 4: Monday, May 11 in Los Angeles. Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, May 13 at OKC. Game 6 (if necessary): Saturday, May 16 in Los Angeles. Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, May 18 at OKC.

Why This Schedule

The Lakers winning Game 6 in six games triggered this schedule, which applies when the first-round series ended in six games and either or both of the Eastern Conference series extended beyond six games. Oklahoma City will have home-court advantage throughout the series.

Broadcast Information

Tipoff times and television broadcast details for the second-round series have not yet been announced by the NBA.

Thunder's Path

The Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round and were the reigning NBA champions heading into the playoffs. They secured the higher seed and home-court advantage against the Lakers for the Western Conference Semifinals.