Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a timeline of significant moments in the head-to-head history between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder:

2000s: Early Encounters

  • 2008-2009 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics before relocating, had their initial matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, were a dominant force in the Western Conference.

2010s: Key Playoff Encounters

  • 2009-2010 NBA Season:
    • Western Conference Semifinals: The Lakers faced the Thunder. The Lakers won the series 4-2. The Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, showed promise, but the Lakers, with their strong roster, advanced to the next round.
  • 2010-2011 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder had several notable matchups. The Thunder, continuing to build around Durant, Westbrook, and James Harden, were becoming a significant force in the Western Conference.
  • 2011-2012 NBA Season:
    • Western Conference Finals: The Thunder defeated the Lakers 4-1. The series was marked by the Thunder’s strong performances, with Durant and Westbrook leading the way. The Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals.

2010s: Continued Rivalry

  • 2012-2013 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder continued their competitive matchups. The Thunder, with Durant and Westbrook, were strong contenders, while the Lakers were dealing with injuries and roster changes.
  • 2013-2014 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers faced the Thunder in several notable games. The Thunder, led by Durant and Westbrook, continued their strong play, while the Lakers were in a rebuilding phase.
  • 2014-2015 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder had competitive matchups with both teams featuring key players. The Thunder remained a top team in the Western Conference, while the Lakers were focusing on their young talent.

2020s: Recent Matchups

  • 2019-2020 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced the Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chris Paul. The games were competitive, reflecting the high level of play from both teams.
  • 2020-2021 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder continued their matchups with the Lakers being strong playoff contenders and the Thunder focusing on their young roster and rebuilding efforts.
  • 2021-2022 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder faced off with both teams featuring key players. The Lakers, with James and a revamped roster, played against the Thunder, who were developing their young talent.
  • 2022-2023 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder continued their rivalry with competitive matchups. The Lakers, with James and new additions, played against the Thunder, who were showcasing their emerging roster.
  • 2023-2024 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Thunder faced off with both teams being significant players in the Western Conference. The games were marked by high-level play and playoff implications.

The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder has featured several key moments, particularly in the 2010s with their playoff encounters and competitive regular-season games. Key players like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have made their matchups significant in NBA history.