The Los Angeles Lakers opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a steady 96-84 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The game, played in front of a lively Las Vegas crowd, offered an early look at both teams’ newest talents as they battle for roster spots and developmental minutes.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

The Lakers jumped out to a 28-18 lead in the first quarter, using crisp ball movement and aggressive defense to unsettle the Thunder’s young lineup. Second-year guard Jalen Hood-Schifino orchestrated the offense with poise, dishing out five assists in the opening period alone. Los Angeles maintained a double-digit cushion for much of the half, entering the break up 52-38.

Thunder Fight Back but Lakers Hold Firm

Oklahoma City showed resilience in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to seven points behind the energy of rookie forward Bobi Klintman, who posted 14 points and six rebounds on the night. The Thunder’s defense forced several turnovers, but the Lakers responded with timely three-pointers from Maxwell Lewis (17 points, 4-of-7 from deep) to keep the lead secure. A 10-2 run late in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome.

Key Performances and Standout Players

• Jalen Hood-Schifino (LAL): 18 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds. Controlled the tempo and made smart decisions in the pick-and-roll.
• Maxwell Lewis (LAL): 17 points, 4 three-pointers, 3 steals. Provided the spacing that broke Oklahoma City’s zone.
• Colin Castleton (LAL): 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks. Anchored the paint on both ends.
• Bobi Klintman (OKC): 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals. Showcased his versatility as a two-way forward.
• Keyontae Johnson (OKC): 11 points, 5 assists. Kept the Thunder offense afloat during rough stretches.

What It Means for Summer League Progress

For the Lakers, the victory provides early confidence for a squad that blends returning developmental players with undrafted free agents. Head coach J.D. DuBois praised the team’s defensive intensity, noting that holding any Summer League opponent under 90 points is a positive sign. The Thunder, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against the Chicago Bulls in their next game, with a focus on improving transition defense and reducing turnovers (21 against the Lakers).

With several more games remaining in Las Vegas, both teams will use this performance as a baseline for evaluating individual talent and building chemistry ahead of training camp. The Lakers’ next test comes against the Phoenix Suns on July 13.