San Antonio is still holding out hope that the All-Star guard could return as the series shifts deeper into what many around the league expect to become a classic postseason battle.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters that the 28-year-old guard will be evaluated closer to tipoff, with him considered a true game-time decision after receiving treatment and rest following the opener.

What injury does De’Aaron Fox have?

De’Aaron Fox is dealing with right ankle soreness ahead of Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs officially listed the All-Star guard as questionable after he missed Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

He suffered the ankle issue during Game 4 of the Spurs’ second-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. The injury has continued to bother him throughout the postseason, forcing the Spurs to closely monitor his workload.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson explained that the injury is unlikely to fully heal during the playoffs because of the short turnaround between games. Instead, the team has focused on treatment, recovery sessions and managing his pain level.

How long has De’Aaron Fox been out?

De’Aaron Fox has missed one playoff game because of his ankle injury. The Spurs guard sat out Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals after aggravating the issue during the previous round.

Before the injury, he had been one of San Antonio’s most important playoff performers alongside Victor Wembanyama. His absence immediately became one of the biggest storylines entering the Thunder series.

San Antonio still managed to steal Game 1 on the road despite Fox being unavailable. Rookie Dylan Harper stepped into a larger offensive role, while Wembanyama delivered a historic 41-point, 24-rebound performance in the double-overtime win.

Who starts for the Spurs if De’Aaron Fox is out?

Rookie guard Dylan Harper is expected to continue starting for the Spurs if De’Aaron Fox cannot play in Game 2. Harper took on a major role in Game 1 and responded with one of the best postseason performances by a rookie.

San Antonio may also continue staggering Harper and Castle throughout the game to compensate for Fox’s absence as the team’s lead creator. The Spurs’ likely starting lineup without him would include:

• Dylan Harper
• Devin Vassell
• Stephon Castle
• Harrison Barnes
• Victor Wembanyama

What are De’Aaron Fox’s stats in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

De’Aaron Fox has been one of the Spurs’ most productive players during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Before his ankle injury, he played a major role in San Antonio’s deep postseason run through the Western Conference bracket.

During the playoffs, he has averaged 23 points per game, 6 assists per game and 5 rebounds per game. His speed in transition and ability to create offense late in possessions became especially important during the Spurs’ series wins.

Fox also developed strong chemistry with Victor Wembanyama after arriving in San Antonio. The duo quickly became one of the NBA’s most dangerous pick-and-roll combinations, giving the Spurs another elite offensive weapon.

Is De’Aaron Fox on a minutes restriction tonight?

The Spurs have not officially announced a minutes restriction for De’Aaron Fox in Game 2. However, San Antonio is expected to monitor his workload carefully if he is cleared to play against Oklahoma City.

Fox entered the game officially listed as questionable, and head coach Mitch Johnson indicated the decision would largely depend on how the guard feels during pregame testing and warmups.

Because the ankle injury is not fully healed, the Spurs could choose to limit Fox’s minutes or avoid overextending him during long stretches, especially after the exhausting double-overtime opener in Game 1.

Fox continues dealing with right ankle soreness after playing through discomfort during the Spurs’ second-round series. Kornet, meanwhile, is managing left foot soreness after emerging as an important frontcourt piece during the playoffs.

With OKC entering the series fully healthy following Jalen Williams’ return, San Antonio’s injury uncertainty has suddenly added even more intrigue to a matchup already viewed around the NBA as a potential preview of the league’s future.

How and when did De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet get injured?

De’Aaron Fox injured his right ankle during the Spurs’ second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Luke Kornet has been dealing with left foot soreness entering the Western Conference Finals.

Fox suffered the ankle injury during Game 4 against Minnesota after a collision while attacking the basket in the second half. Despite the pain, he remained in the game and finished with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes.

The injury quickly became a major concern because San Antonio’s offense heavily depends on his playmaking and scoring ability alongside Victor Wembanyama. He continued playing through the injury during the remainder of the series.

Kornet’s injury situation developed differently. He has been managing lingering soreness in his left foot throughout the playoffs, an issue that worsened during the Minnesota series because of the physical demands around the paint.

When will De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet return to play?

De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet are both considered day-to-day and could return at any point. Neither injury is currently viewed as season-ending, although the Spurs are expected to continue evaluating both players game by game.

Fox has made it clear internally that he wants to continue playing despite the ankle soreness. The Spurs benefited from several extra days of rest after eliminating Minnesota in six games, giving him additional treatment time.

San Antonio’s medical staff remains cautious because ankle injuries can easily worsen during long playoff series. Still, league insiders expect Fox to attempt to play as long as swelling and mobility remain manageable.

Kornet’s timeline also appears relatively short term. Reports describe the issue as soreness management rather than structural damage, which is why the veteran center has continued participating in limited basketball activities.

How has De’Aaron Fox performed this season?

De’Aaron Fox has been one of the Spurs’ most important players this season and helped transform San Antonio into a legitimate championship contender. After arriving from Sacramento, he immediately became one of the offense’s leaders.

He averaged nearly 20 points and close to seven assists per game after joining San Antonio, giving the Spurs another elite perimeter scorer capable of creating offense late in games. His speed in transition added a different dimension.

The former Kings star also earned his second career NBA All-Star selection during the 2025-26 season after being named as an injury replacement in the roster. His impact in San Antonio was immediate both statistically and culturally.

During the playoffs, he continued producing despite battling injuries. He averaged 18.7 points and 5.6 assists through the postseason while helping San Antonio eliminate Portland and Minnesota on the road to the conference finals.

How important is Luke Kornet to the Spurs’ roster?

Luke Kornet has become an important rotation piece for the Spurs because of his rim protection, size and defensive versatility off the bench. While he is not one of the team’s stars, his role has grown significantly during San Antonio’s playoff run.

At 7-foot-2, he gives the team valuable frontcourt depth whenever Wembanyama leaves the floor. His presence allowes the team to maintain interior size and defensive stability with the second unit.

The veteran center’s best postseason performance came in the closeout win over Minnesota, when he recorded four blocks and altered multiple shots around the basket. Even without putting up huge scoring numbers, his defensive impact helped San Antonio control key stretches of the game.

His experience has also been valuable inside a locker room built around younger stars. The Spurs rely heavily on emerging players like Castle and Harper, making dependable veterans increasingly important during deep playoff runs.

Mitchell’s meteoric rise is underscored by his shift in usage; during the regular season, he appeared in 56 games but earned just 16 starts while averaging 25.8 minutes. However, the postseason has been a different story, with Mitchell cracking the starting lineup in six of eight games and letting his elite playmaking do the talking.

Averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals on an efficient 56.3% shooting during the Western Conference Semifinals, Mitchell was a driving force in OKC’s series win. His standout play helped send the Lakers packing and fueled further speculation regarding LeBron James’ potential retirement this offseason.

This leap in production marks a massive year-over-year improvement for Mitchell, who spent much of last season buried on the bench with only one start in 36 appearances. Now, as the Western Conference Finals loom, he has cemented himself as a vital weapon for head coach Mark Daigneault.

Mitchell’s breakout campaign by the numbers

Beyond his heroics against Los Angeles, Mitchell’s consistent statistical growth forced Daigneault’s hand, making him an undeniable choice for the starting five during high-stakes playoff matchups.

Here is a look at Mitchell’s evolution from the regular season to the postseason:

• Regular season stats:
  • Games Played: 57
  • Minutes Per Game: 25.8
  • Points Per Game: 13.6
  • Assists Per Game: 3.6
  • Rebounds Per Game: 3.3
  • Steals Per Game: 1.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: 48.5%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 87.0%
• Playoff Stats:
  • Games Played: 8
  • Minutes Per Game: 29.8
  • Points Per Game: 18.8
  • Assists Per Game: 4.9
  • Rebounds Per Game: 4.0
  • Steals Per Game: 1.4
  • Field Goal %: 47.2%
  • Free Throw %: 91.2%

As the Thunder await their next opponent in their quest to become back-to-back Western Conference champions, they clearly have a rising star in Mitchell. Paired with Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, Mitchell rounds out a formidable young core that appears ready to dominate the league for years to come.

LeBron James revealed to the press after the game that he still doesn’t know what his future holds and that he will think about it with his family. “I don’t know, obviously. We’re still fresh from losing. I don’t know what the future holds for me… I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk to them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”

LeBron came off a great season, considering he is 41 years old, but we have to be aware that whatever his decision is, all that is left is to applaud him. He finished with 20.9 PPG, 7.2 APG and 6.1 RPG in the regular season, and in the playoffs, he averaged 23.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 7.3 APG, in addition to leading and surprising against the Houston Rockets in the first round.

LeBron happy with his season

During the press conference after the game, LeBron also demonstrated satisfaction regarding his performance this NBA season, which keeps getting more complicated because of his age.

“Listen, s****, I left everything I could out on the floor. … I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure,” LeBron said. And there is a lot of truth to that. The closest example we have is the series against the Houston Rockets, where he once again became the first option without his two-star teammates, who were injured (Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves).

And in this season, we saw LeBron in a different role on the Lakers, handing the baton to the next generation, and we saw him in a role we had never seen before, as in certain moments, he was the third option inside of JJ Redick’s system, and he acknowledged it.

The 41-year-old player had never experienced being a third option or role player on a team throughout his career. “I’ve never been a third option in my life. To be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back (into the lead role),” James said.

After the 2025-26 season, James’ contract with the Lakers will be up. He will become an unrestricted free agent, and the thought of that has sparked debate in NBA circles about whether or not the league’s longest career will finally end.

The Lakers star is 41 years old and has not indicated that he plans to retire. It appeared as though the one certainty was that this would be James’ final year with the Lakers. There was the odd public statement by James’ agent, Rich Paul, last offseason, along with insiders like Marc Stein reporting that the star would either retire or sign elsewhere this summer.

Amid this chatter, James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors and to rumors of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, in search of a championship in his city before retirement. However, James has made no secret about his affinity for Steph Curry throughout his career.

Would LeBron be happy with retirement?

During an April 29 interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James admitted that he has thought about retirement. James revealed he plans to spend a lot more time with his wife, Savannah James, and family whenever this day comes.

“Hell yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of [expletive] time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game,” James responded when asked about retirement.

“… My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too. Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as [expletive] when it’s all done to get the [expletive] away and give myself some grace.”

LeBron James’ contract

In 2024, James signed a two-year, fully guaranteed $101.35 million contract with Los Angeles. Per year, he has earned $50.67 million on that deal. James began his Lakers career in 2018, signing a four-year, $153.31 million deal to join the team. In 2021 and 2023, he signed two maximum veteran extensions to remain with the Lakers.

The option of staying with the Lakers

The easiest option for James would be to renew with the Lakers and continue playing alongside his oldest son, Bronny James. Does James really want to start over at this point in his NBA career? Signing with the Warriors or the Cavaliers does not guarantee him a fifth championship.

With the way the Lakers played when James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves were all healthy, the superstar may feel like there is some unfinished business in Hollywood. Until James says differently, do not be surprised if the superstar is once again wearing a Lakers jersey next season.

“They’re a terrific basketball team… I’ve been very impressed with them. I still believe we can beat them, but we just have to be better,“ Redick told the media following another disappointing defeat against the reigning champions.

Despite holding first-half leads in all three games of this series, the Lakers have struggled to maintain their rhythm, watching as everything falls apart in the second half.

Alongside Redick, LeBron James maintained a confident front despite the daunting 3-0 deficit. Austin Reaves echoed that sentiment, telling reporters that the team simply needs to execute better in what could be their final game of the postseason.

The keys behind OKC’s dominance

Beyond the Lakers’ inability to close out games in the second half, the Thunder have relied on the star power of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to anchor an offense that refuses to slow down.

Rookie standout Ajay Mitchell also showed veteran maturity, leading the unit even as Gilgeous-Alexander drew the bulk of the Lakers’ defensive attention. Mitchell recorded career playoff highs with 24 points and 10 assists, marking his sixth consecutive game scoring at least 14 points.

Furthermore, the Lakers have been unable to capitalize on Luka Doncic’s absence. Without their primary scoring threat available, Los Angeles has struggled to adapt as the Thunder’s defense has swarmed LeBron and Reaves, effectively stifling the Lakers’ offense when it matters most.

LeBron expressed his feelings after the game, and it was clear his focus remained on Game 4. “I’m not angry or disappointed,” said James. “Obviously, you’re disappointed in being down 3-0, but we still have life, and that’s all you can ask for, and we have to be better on Monday.”

He finished with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and zero rebounds in 36 minutes, but it was hardly enough to make a difference against this team. Still, he was not giving up just yet.

What JJ Redick thinks about the situation

With the Lakers down 0-3 in the Western Conference Semifinals, head coach JJ Redick was surely already reflecting on what went wrong in the series. While the Thunder were clearly the better team, going 7-0 in the playoffs so far, the Lakers did not help themselves with their frequent and costly mistakes on the court.

That night, the story repeated itself from the previous three games, the Lakers fought hard, but they could not keep up with the defending NBA champions. For head coach JJ Redick, who had already shown his frustration during the series, the Thunder’s latest victory, 131-108, was proof of their talent and strength as a team.

“They’ve kicked our a** 3 straight games,” said Redick. “They’re an incredible basketball team.” Even though the Lakers went 0-4 against the Thunder during the regular season, Redick approached the series like any other, looking for ways to maximize their own advantages and exploit OKC’s vulnerabilities.

The Lakers had chances to win

The worst part was that the Lakers could have won this game. They were leading after the second quarter and had all the momentum on their side coming out of halftime. But once the Thunder improved their defense and their stars started to shine, the Lakers could not contain what followed.

They simply had too many NBA talented players, including promising guard AJ Mitchell, who finished with 24 points, a team-high, four rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and zero blocks while shooting 58.8% from the field.

“Third straight game, we were right there after two quarters,” Redick added. “Tried different lineups, different coverages, still lost those minutes again. We’ve got to be better, but I’m not giving up on the series. We’re gonna go try to win on Monday, and we’re gonna try to extend the series, and we’re gonna try to take this thing back to OKC.”

Vanderbilt’s injury became one of the defining moments of Game 1 after he dislocated his right pinky finger. Kennard’s situation is less severe but still significant for a team already struggling with injuries elsewhere in the rotation.

As of Thursday afternoon, Vanderbilt appears unlikely to play, whereas Kennard still has a chance to suit up depending on pregame evaluations. The NBA injury report has not changed, and that is the only information currently available.

What happened to Jarred Vanderbilt and Luke Kennard?

Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a dislocated right pinky finger during Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Luke Kennard was later added to the injury report with neck soreness ahead of Game 2.

Vanderbilt’s injury occurred in the second quarter when he hit the backboard while trying to contest a shot near the rim. Reports indicated the finger was fully dislocated and severe enough that the bone pierced through the skin, forcing him to leave the game immediately.

The scene drew visible reactions from players sitting on the Thunder bench, with several appearing shocked by the severity of the injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick later confirmed Vanderbilt would be considered day-to-day moving forward.

Kennard’s situation has been less dramatic but still important for Los Angeles. The veteran guard reportedly tweaked his neck during Game 1 and later appeared on the official injury report for the first time this postseason.

What do their injury report designations mean on the NBA list?

Jarred Vanderbilt being listed as “doubtful” means there is a strong chance he will not play in Game 2, while Luke Kennard’s “questionable” designation indicates his status remains uncertain and could be decided closer to tip-off.

Under NBA injury reporting guidelines, doubtful players are generally considered unlikely to suit up, whereas questionable players still have roughly a 50-50 possibility of being available.

The injury report has also become especially important because Los Angeles is already missing Luka Doncic, placing additional pressure on the rest of the rotation. Any absence would likely force expanded roles.

How have Jarred Vanderbilt and Luke Kennard been playing recently?

Jarred Vanderbilt has continued to serve primarily as a defensive specialist and energy player for the Lakers, while Luke Kennard recently emerged as one of the team’s most important secondary scorers during the playoffs. Their recent form has reflected those contrasting roles within the rotation.

Vanderbilt had been contributing through hustle plays, rebounding, and defensive versatility rather than offensive production. During the regular season, he averaged 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, often taking on difficult defensive assignments and providing physicality off the bench.

Kennard, meanwhile, played a much larger offensive role during the Lakers’ first-round series. He drew major attention after scoring 23 points in a playoff win over Houston, a performance that even sparked “MVP” chants from the crowd late in the game.

The Lakers continue to manage his status cautiously after he has been sidelined since early April, which medical reports suggest typically requires several weeks of recovery and gradual reconditioning before full contact clearance.

Recent updates confirm he has started light running but has not yet been cleared for game action, keeping his return timeline uncertain heading deeper into the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When will Luka Doncic return to play?

Luka Doncic does not have a fixed return date and is expected to remain out for at least several more weeks, with the Los Angeles Lakers targeting a cautious, week-to-week recovery from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

The star guard has been sidelined since early April and is not expected to return during the current phase of the playoffs, with reports indicating he will likely miss the remainder of the ongoing series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Medical updates suggest his recovery timeline initially ranged between 4–8 weeks, but hamstring injuries of this severity often require extended rehabilitation before full-contact clearance.

Although Doncic has started light movement and on-court shooting, he has not yet progressed to full-speed running or contact drills, which are key milestones before returning to game action.

How long has Luka Doncic been out?

Luka Doncic has been sidelined for more than a month since suffering the injury on April 2, 2026 during a game against the OKC. It occurred in the third quarter of that matchup when he exited after experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring.

Since then, he has missed regular-season games, the start of the playoffs and the opening stages of the Lakers’ series against OKC, with his absence stretching beyond the initial four-week recovery estimate provided by medical staff.

How important is Luka Doncic to the Lakers?

Luka Doncic is the central offensive engine of the Los Angeles Lakers, serving as their primary scorer, playmaker and late-game decision-maker since joining the franchise.

Before the injury, he was averaging around 33 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game, ranking among the league’s most productive offensive players and serving as the focal point of the team’s system.

His absence forces Los Angeles to rely heavily on secondary creators and reduces their half-court efficiency, especially in playoff environments where isolation scoring becomes critical. Without him, the Lakers lose their most reliable shot creator and decision-maker in clutch situations.

How does Luka Doncic complement LeBron James?

Luka Doncic complements LeBron James by acting as a primary half-court creator and elite scoring engine, allowing both players to share playmaking duties and reduce defensive pressure on each other when fully healthy.

Together, they form one of the most versatile offensive duos in the NBA. Doncic brings elite isolation scoring, pick-and-roll control and step-back shooting, while LeBron provides transition dominance, off-ball IQ and secondary facilitation.

Recent lineup data shows that the Lakers’ offensive efficiency improves significantly when both are on the floor, particularly in half-court creation situations where spacing and decision-making become critical.

From a tactical standpoint, the pairing allows Los Angeles to stagger usage: Doncic can control slower, methodical possessions while LeBron exploits transition opportunities and mismatches.

Analysts have also highlighted that the Lakers are effectively “building around Luka while maximizing LeBron’s efficiency window”, signaling a transition toward a dual-engine offense model.

His injury dates back to the opening round against the Phoenix Suns, where he exited with discomfort and has not yet returned to full-contact action. Medical reports have consistently described the issue as a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Recovery from this type of injury typically takes one to two weeks, depending on progress. For the Thunder, the forward’s absence continues to reshape rotations as they adjust to a tightly contested series against the Lakers.

When could Jalen Williams return to play?

Jalen Williams is currently ruled out for Game 2 and is considered week-to-week, meaning his return timeline remains uncertain but could range from 1–2 weeks depending on recovery progress.

He is dealing with a left hamstring strain, an injury that typically requires careful load management to avoid setbacks. Medical reports surrounding similar cases suggest players often miss multiple games even in mild Grade 1 strains, especially during the intensity of the NBA Playoffs.

At this stage, there is no confirmed date for his return, and the Thunder are expected to continue evaluating him on a game-by-game basis. His availability for the rest of the series against the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the biggest question marks for the team.

How and when did Jalen Williams get injured?

Jalen Williams suffered the injury during the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs in a game against the Phoenix Suns, when he grabbed his left hamstring after a drive to the basket and immediately exited to the locker room.

Before leaving the game, he had been performing at a high level, finishing with efficient scoring and strong two-way impact. The incident occurred in the third quarter, and although the Thunder went on to win the game comfortably, his exit raised immediate concern inside the organization.

Medical evaluations later confirmed a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, which is considered relatively mild but still requires careful rehabilitation due to the high risk of re-aggravation during explosive movements.

How important is Jalen Williams to the Thunder’s roster?

Jalen Williams is widely viewed as a core two-way pillar of the Oklahoma City Thunder, serving as both a secondary creator and a high-level perimeter defender alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Before his injury, he was producing around 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game, while also handling tough defensive assignments and initiating offense when needed.

Beyond the box score, his value comes from versatility: he can run half-court sets, attack mismatches and defend multiple positions—traits that give OKC tactical flexibility in playoff matchups.

Analysts have repeatedly highlighted that when the forward is active, the Thunder’s offense becomes less predictable and more dynamic, with improved ball movement and spacing.

Doncic supported his teammate with some important context about Reaves’ own injury problems so far in these playoffs. “It’s tough. He came back from an injury stuff. But my message to him is just be yourself. We all know he’s an amazing player, and we all know he’s gonna bounce back,” said Doncic, per Dan Woike of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.

The Lakers mustered just 37 points in the second half of this one after staying relatively competitive through two quarters. This was a brutal game from Austin Reaves, who scored just eight points on 3-16 shooting from the field.

What Reaves had missed

Reaves missed the first four games of the Lakers’ first-round NBA series against the Houston Rockets due to an oblique injury, but returned to help Los Angeles close out the series in six games, looking fairly similar to his usual self in those matchups.

However, Reaves struggled against the relentless Oklahoma City defense all night on Tuesday, forcing tough shots and not finding much success drawing fouls, which is usually a major part of his scoring arsenal.

For the Lakers to have any chance of keeping this competitive without Doncic, Reaves will need to be much better than he was in Game 1. And without a doubt, LeBron trying to keep the Lakers alive was not enough and will not be enough against OKC.

Reaves will have his opportunity to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday at the Paycom Center, which will be the final game in Oklahoma City before the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 and Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena.