Jalen Williams returns as Thunder–Lakers draws heavy “where to watch” interest

Oklahoma City and Los Angeles met late Monday night, Feb. 9, 2026, in a matchup that doubled as a litmus test for depth on both sides. The Thunder entered short-handed without their top scorer, while the Lakers were also dealing with key absences. The biggest on-court storyline, though, was Jalen Williams returning from a hamstring injury—back in the lineup, but clearly managed.

As of 11:25 p.m. ET on Feb. 9, the game was still in progress, with Oklahoma City holding a narrow lead in the third quarter.

Where to watch Thunder vs Lakers

For fans asking “where to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Lakers,” this matchup was carried nationally in the U.S. on a single streaming-only broadcast rather than a typical mix of national cable and local channels. Availability outside the U.S. depended on regional rightsholders, and in many markets the simplest check is the league’s official game listing for your location.

Here’s how viewing typically breaks down:

If you missed the opening tip, the most reliable path is checking replay availability through the league’s subscription options or the game’s official listing in your region.

Jalen Williams: injury return and minutes management

Williams’ return was the headline on the Thunder side after he missed a stretch with a hamstring injury. Early box score data showed he was used in shorter bursts: 14 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, with 2 made three-pointers as of the captured live update.

That kind of line fits the typical “return game” pattern: get rhythm, test the leg under game speed, and avoid extended high-fatigue stretches. For Oklahoma City, even a limited Williams matters because he stabilizes lineups that otherwise skew smaller or more defense-first when the primary scoring option is out.

Lakers vs OKC: why this matchup felt different

Both teams have leaned on depth this season, but the injuries made Monday’s rotation choices unusually revealing.

For the Thunder, the challenge is obvious: without their top scorer, the offense has to be created by committee—ball movement, second-side actions, and getting to the line. Williams’ presence helps because he can create advantages without needing a full set play every trip.

For the Lakers, the pressure point has been shot creation and late-clock execution when the offense bogs down. Their best stretches came when role players hit open looks and the defense produced quick runouts—reducing the number of half-court possessions where the margin for error shrinks.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Lakers match player stats

As of the live game snapshot late in the third quarter, the early stat leaders reflected the “next man up” theme:

• Thunder: perimeter shooting and bench punch were driving much of the scoring, with multiple players clustering in double figures rather than one dominant scorer.

• Lakers: the production was spread across starters, with steady scoring but a need for cleaner late possessions and fewer empty trips.

Because the game was still ongoing at the time of the latest available update, final totals and the full set of top performers may look different once the closing minutes are included.

What to watch next for both teams

For Oklahoma City, the near-term focus is health: whether the top scorer returns soon, and whether Williams can ramp up minutes without any setback. If those pieces trend in the right direction, the Thunder can regain their usual balance—elite defense paired with efficient creation.

For the Lakers, the schedule approaching the break puts extra value on banking wins now, especially against high-level opponents. Their immediate goal is tightening late-game execution and continuing to find dependable scoring beyond the primary options.

Sources consulted: NBA, ESPN, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, Peacock