“How can the Thunder win this series?”

Simple. As long as the team bus arrives on time.

With star Luka Doncic out for the foreseeable future, the Lakers are at a massive disadvantage against the defending champion Thunder. AP

That’s a joke, but it’s also deeply-rooted in truth.

Because if the Thunder simply show up as themselves—not some overcaffeinated version trying too hard or an overcautious one afraid of the moment—this series will be over quickly.

The Lakers had to find a new identity in the postseason without their MVP Luka Doncic .

The Thunder don’t need a new identity.

OKC are the reigning NBA champions , and a 64-win machine that crushed anything in their path during the regular season.…