Luka Dončić entered his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers determined to go all‑in. From his striking Men’s Health cover shoots to a visibly stronger and more powerful frame in the offseason, Luka knew this was his time. The blockbuster trade that sent him to L.A. was seen as a major win for the Lakers — and with LeBron James sidelined, Dončić has stepped up as the team’s clear anchor. With his recent standout performance, scoring 38 points while adding six rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers’ 121‑111 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Is Luka Dončić playing tonight?

Good news for the Lakers Nation, Luka Dončić is expected to be available tonight for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has spent about a week off the court, as he recovered from a left‑finger sprain and a lower‑left‑leg contusion. Luka Dončić has averaged 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists in 7 games this season.

Dončić’s importance to the Lakers cannot be overstated. He is not only leading the team in scoring, but also in assists per game and points created off assists. He is commanding the game on every possession. Currently leading the team in usage rate.

He is also second in touches behind Tyrese Maxey and second in time of possession behind Cunningham. “He just continues to get where he wants to go, and he takes what the defense gives him,” Lakers coach JJ Redick had told reporters after Dončić scored 44 points against Memphis.

With him on the floor, the Lakers are scoring 125.4 points per 100 possessions. But it is the OKC that he has to face. Against whom, Luka Dončić has averaged 27.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 16 games in his career.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder injury report

Here is the injury report for tonight’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update:

The Lakers’ injury report has been anything but stable this season, with even Luka and Reaves making brief appearances on the list. Through it all, LeBron James has been the one constant. Other key players on the roster include—

1. Adou Thiero remains unavailable following left knee surgery.
2. Gabe Vincent is out with a left ankle sprain.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Update:

The Thunder, on the other hand, have been hit hard by injuries, with both starters and key rotation players sidelined.

1. Luguentz Dort is out due to a right upper trap strain.
2. Thomas Sorber remains sidelined after a right ACL injury.
3. Nikola Topic is out for tonight’s game and the rest of the coming games, since his testicular cancer diagnosis.
4. Aaron Wiggins is also out with a left adductor strain.
5. Jalen Williams is sidelined with a right wrist injury. He is to make his debut this season, missing all of the games like LeBron.
6. Kenrich Williams is out after sustaining a left knee injury.

Predicted lineups for Lakers vs Thunder

Tonight’s projected starting lineups are as follows:

These lineups reflect the latest injury updates.

Where to watch the Lakers vs Thunder game

Here’s how fans can catch the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)

• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

• TV: National coverage on ESPN; local broadcasts on Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Bally Sports Oklahoma (Thunder)

• Streaming: Available via NBA League Pass, ESPN app, and FuboTV for live streaming

Match preview & predictions

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight at Paycom Center in a marquee Western Conference clash that pits the league’s hottest team against a surging contender hungry for a statement win. As the defending champions riding an 11-1 start, the Thunder embody the relentless youth and depth that’s redefined NBA dominance this season.

Meanwhile, the Lakers (8-3) arrive on a road trip, bolstered by Luka Doncic’s return to form but plagued by nagging injuries that test their veteran core.

The Thunder are a juggernaut, fresh off a 126-102 demolition of the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, extending their home winning streak to five. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, dropped 28 points and 11 assists before sitting the fourth, while Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 11 rebounds in a reminder of OKC’s frontcourt versatility.

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they’re fourth in the league in scoring (122.7 PPG), sixth in rebounding (47.4 RPG), and first in steals (10.6 SPG). Their defense is the league’s stingiest, with a 104.1 rating —a formula that’s yielded 15 wins in their last 17 home games.

The Lakers, conversely, grinded out a 121-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday to snap a mini-skid, with Dončić’s heroics (averaging 37 PPG lately) carrying a shorthanded squad. Sitting fourth in the West at 8-3, LA’s perimeter shooting (33.9% from three) and rebounding (40.2 RPG) have been serviceable, but they’ve coughed up 16.5 turnovers per game and struggled on the road against the short handed Hawks. But consistency beyond Doncic remains the X-factor.