The Oklahoma City Thunder returned to the practice court on Monday, May 4, sharpening their game just one day before tipping off their Round 2 playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. It's been a full week since their last 2026 NBA postseason matchup, and the team is ready to dive into the meat of the playoffs—where games will come every other day.

Head coach Mark Daigneault, alongside stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, met with local media after practice. The biggest headline? An injury update on Jalen Williams, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with a hamstring strain. Daigneault kept expectations measured: "He's progressing according to plan, I would say. In terms of timeline, we're not going to release that. We'll continue to let you guys know on a week-to-week basis." Notably, Williams was spotted on the court toward the end of media availability—a promising sign for Thunder fans.

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace both shared their thoughts on facing the Lakers and the ageless LeBron James. Even at 41 years old, James led Los Angeles past the Houston Rockets in Round 1, proving he's still one of the game's most formidable forces. "Playing against an all-time great like that, you get up for those games," SGA said. He added, "We can sit here all day and talk about things he's done for the game. He's one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball in the history of human beings." Wallace echoed that respect, noting the Lakers are "playing pretty well right now, regardless of who's out there."

In a lighter moment, Gilgeous-Alexander shared a personal anecdote about his relationship with NBA legend Steve Nash: "Funny enough, Steve was the first person who told me I was going to make the NBA."

As for the regular-season history between these two teams, Daigneault downplayed its relevance: "It's been such a weird series. There's been guys in and out in every game." With Game 1 set for Tuesday, all eyes are on the Thunder as they prepare to battle a legendary Lakers squad in what promises to be an electrifying postseason showdown.