The Western Conference's top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will host the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers beginning Tuesday, May 5, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, kicking off what figures to be one of the most closely watched second-round series of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. OKC earned its position atop the West by posting the best record in the entire NBA during the regular season, then dispatched the Phoenix Suns in four straight to open the postseason. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, eliminated the Houston Rockets in six contests to advance. The two franchises now meet with a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line.
Full Schedule for the Thunder vs. Lakers Series
The series is set to run through as many as seven contests, with the first four dates and broadcast details already confirmed. Here is the complete schedule:
- Game 1 - Tuesday, May 5: Lakers at Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET - NBC, Peacock
- Game 2 - Thursday, May 7: Lakers at Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET - Prime Video
- Game 3 - Saturday, May 9: Thunder at Lakers, 8:30 p.m. ET - ABC, ESPN Unlimited
- Game 4 - Monday, May 11: Thunder at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET - Prime Video
- Game 5 - Wednesday, May 13: Lakers at Thunder, TBA - TBA (if necessary)
- Game 6 - Saturday, May 16: Thunder at Lakers, TBA - TBA (if necessary)
- Game 7 - Monday, May 18: Lakers at Thunder, TBA - TBA (if necessary)
Notable is the distribution across multiple broadcast platforms - NBC and Peacock share rights for Game 1, Prime Video carries Games 2 and 4 exclusively, and ABC alongside ESPN Unlimited handles Game 3. Viewers will need to confirm which services they already subscribe to before tipoff, as no single platform covers the entire series.
How to Stream Every Game: Your Best Options
For viewers without a traditional cable subscription, live TV streaming services are the most practical route. DIRECTV stands out as the broadest option currently available, offering more of cable's top 35 channels than any competing live TV service. Its MySports plan runs $65 per month and includes a guaranteed five-day free trial for all new subscribers - a firm, unconditional offer that some rivals do not match. The MySports package covers ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, FS1, Fox Sports 2, TBS, TNT, USA Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, MLB Network, NHL Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, ACC Network, Golf Channel, and - depending on your local market - ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. A free ESPN Unlimited subscription is bundled in at no extra cost. For viewers who want to add regional sports coverage, a MyHome Team add-on is available for an additional $20 per month.
Fubo is another live TV streaming alternative worth considering, though prospective subscribers should be aware that the length of its free trial varies and is not publicly disclosed upfront - a minor but real friction point during sign-up. Trial duration can range from one to seven days depending on factors the company does not make fully transparent.
Since Game 1 airs on NBC, it will also be available through Peacock's two paid tiers. Peacock Premium is priced at $11 per month and Peacock Premium Plus at $17 per month, the latter adding extra features including local NBC affiliate access across all 210 markets in the United States. Peacock's broader content library spans original programming, live events across multiple properties, and a deep archive of legacy television.
Watching From Outside the United States
Viewers traveling internationally or temporarily outside their home market can still access their existing streaming subscriptions using a Virtual Private Network, commonly known as a VPN. A VPN routes your internet connection through a server in a selected country, making your device appear to be browsing from that location. This restores access to geo-restricted content without requiring a new account or subscription. A VPN subscription does not replace a live TV streaming service - it works alongside one.
ExpressVPN is widely regarded as a reliable option, with servers across 105 countries, strong encryption standards, and 24-hour customer support. Monthly pricing starts at approximately $5. For those prioritizing different attributes, NordVPN starts at $3.09 per month and emphasizes security features, Surfshark starts at $2.50 per month as a budget-friendly alternative, and Proton VPN offers a functional free tier for cost-conscious users. All four carry a credible track record in independent reviews.
