After the first two games of the 2026-27 regular season, I think LeBron James has received his wish. The Oklahoma City Thunder have looked like they'll remain a high-win machine. Even after a summer filled with cost-cutting moves and fresh faces added to the depth chart.
In a recent 'Mind the Game' podcast episode with Steve Nash, James believes the Thunder are being slept on — something which was likely a new theory for most listeners. Arguably the greatest player of all time seems pretty high on OKC being a top title contender.
"I think it's very important that we — as fans of the game and the casuals — don't write off OKC just yet," James said. "You're so intrigued with, obviously, Victor and rightfully so. What they bring to the table and obviously, the young
guys. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. You love what they bring to the game. I love watching those guys. They're unbelievable. But we're quick to turn the page a lot faster than when we should."
After dominating their way to a 2025 NBA championship, the Thunder fell five wins shy of back-to-back titles. They fell to the San Antonio Spurs in an epic seven-game series in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell missed most of that duel. Williams, in particular, suffered through an injury-plagued year that finally caught up to OKC.
The Thunder actually sent James home with a Round 2 series sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers. That turned out to be his final time in the purple and gold before he joined the Philadelphia 76ers this past NBA offseason. A 2027 NBA Finals matchup between those two teams is within the realm of reality.
While James is technically right and has always been complimentary about the Thunder over the years, it's funny to see the 41-year-old act like he's going out on a limb with a spicy take. After all, OKC is universally viewed as a co-title favorite for the 2026-27 season — alongside the Spurs.
As long as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams remain healthy, the Thunder will always be in the title conversation. They're one of the most successful and decorated trios in the league right now. It involves a two-time MVP winner at the peak of his powers and two rising All-NBA talents.
"I hope we do not turn the page too fast on OKC. They got too much talent. They got too much experience," James said. "They were hungry last and injuries always can affect some things. We always talk about the most important is being healthy. If those guys are healthy, they'll be right there."
The Thunder have earned their respect, and no one should be taking them lightly. 😤 pic.twitter.com/htNIgk0WWh
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) October 13, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: LeBron James believes in Thunder as NBA title favorite: 'Don't write off OKC just yet'
