The Western Conference semifinals opened with a blowout, but the loudest moment came before tipoff when Ric Flair targeted Luka Doncic in a viral social media post.
The WWE Hall of Famer wrote, “Luka @lukadoncic, Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF! I Hope @JeanieBuss Trades You Next Year. Nobody Wants A Lame Duck On Their Team!”
The message landed hours before the Los Angeles Lakers fell 108-90 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 at Paycom Center.
Doncic, who is dealing with a left hamstring injury, has missed the past month and was ruled out for the start of the series, with the team listing him as week-to-week.
The absence showed immediately in the Lakers’ offensive structure.
Los Angeles shot 41.7% from the field and committed 17 turnovers, struggling to generate consistent advantages without its primary ball handler.
LeBron James led the way with 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, while Rui Hachimura added 18.
Austin Reaves, a 23.3 points-per-game scorer in the regular season, was held to eight points on 3-for-16 shooting, reflecting the lack of playmaking gravity typically created by Doncic.
Oklahoma City controlled the game with balance and efficiency.
Chet Holmgren posted 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each scored 18.
The Thunder shot 49.4% and made 13 three-pointers, continuing a trend after sweeping the regular-season series by an average margin of 29.3 points.
Doncic’s absence removes a high-usage creator who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season.
His ability to manipulate pick-and-roll coverages and collapse defenses typically generates open looks for teammates, something the Lakers struggled to replicate in Game 1.
Flair’s comments reflect a broader tension often seen in playoff basketball between availability and long-term health.
Playing through injury carries risk, particularly with soft-tissue issues like a hamstring, which can worsen without proper recovery.
The Lakers now face a tactical challenge heading into Game 2.
Without their lead initiator, they must rely on James to handle extended playmaking duties while secondary options create offense against a top-ranked defense.
Oklahoma City, meanwhile, has maintained defensive pressure without Jalen Williams, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury of his own.
