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What Thunder’s injuries mean for Lakers, NBA landscape

The Western Conference just underwent a power shift. Thunder star Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, and Cason Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder that also requires surgery. It’s an…

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 8:59 PM
What Thunder’s injuries mean for Lakers, NBA landscape
Key Things to Know
  • Melissa Rohlin argues Thunder injuries create an opportunity for the Lakers to aggressively pursue a championship.
  • Thunder star Jalen Williams requires surgery for a dislocated left ankle and a fractured fibula.
  • Thunder guard Cason Wallace will also undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Melissa Rohlin argues that severe injuries to Oklahoma City Thunder stars Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace open up the Western Conference, creating a prime window for the Los Angeles Lakers to go all-in this season. Williams faces surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while Wallace requires surgery for a torn labrum.

Rohlin contends that the Lakers should trade remaining assets to reinforce a roster led by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. While Oklahoma City swept Los Angeles last postseason, their thinned depth and wing injuries could make Los Angeles' path through the conference considerably easier.

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