Champions last season. Undefeated in their first two games of the NBA Cup this season and yet, the Los Angeles Lakers now see peril. The Oklahoma City Thunder seized the Crypto.com arena to claim a pivotal win in their pursuit to qualify for the knockout stages. The game had its swings, but the Thunder, powered by an exquisite 36-point night for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, capped off an epic win.

It improved their first-seeded OKC to a 2-1 record in the West Group B, tied with both the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs. On the other hand, the Lakers don’t hold any direct control of the proceedings, ending with a 2-2 record in the group stage play. With a negative point differential, their qualification lies in more jeopardy.

However, can even colossal upset help the Purple and Gold retain their crown?

Where do the Lakers stand in their NBA Cup journey?

Here’s the direct picture: the Los Angeles Lakers have no chance to win their group. And now, they also can’t finish second, putting them out of the wildcard race. Here’s why.

Only two group-stage games remain for the conclusion. In the first one, the Phoenix Suns play the San Antonio Spurs. This could determine who wins the group and solidify their place in the knockout rounds. Notably, if the Spurs manage to stun the potent offense of Kevin Durant and the Suns, they will have a 3-1 record, the best possible within the group.

The Thunder then have a game against the Utah Jazz, who are yet to win in the NBA Cup. Even if OKC does win, their loss to the Spurs will keep them from topping the group. It’s because, in case of a group tie, the head-to-head record is the primary measurement to determine standings. Their only loss is to the Spurs makes it impossible for them to top the group in the event San Antonio grabs a win.

However, if Phoenix and the Thunder manage to win, OKC will be the top team to qualify due to their win over the Suns. For this same reason, the Lakers have no chance of even finishing second and competing through a wildcard. Even if both the Suns and the Thunder lose and create a three-way tie, the Purple and Gold have lost to both teams.

Hence, the best they can finish is third, which is possible if the Spurs lose their game against the Suns. And thus, the Lakers’ dream of defending the In-Season Tournament crown has come to an end.