Los Angeles is coming off a big win against the Utah Jazz on January 25, one that finally saw the team work as a strong and cohesive unit. Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace led with 17 points apiece, but that was not the story of the game.
That honor belonged to star guard Kobe Bryant, who had just 14 points on 7 of 10 shooting and also had an incredible 14 assists. He was in full playmaking mode, and everyone played unselfishly. The same type of attack will be needed against Oklahoma City.
Of course, that isn't going to be easy by any means. The Thunder have won three of five and currently own the best record in the NBA. They have also defeated the Lakers twice already this season, and have a respectable road record of 15-7.
The Lakers are going to be out to defend their home court, and prepared to take Dwight Howard's words to heart once again. With the game on national television and Jack Nicholson leading a rowdy Lakers crowd, fans should expect an intense, high-scoring matchup from start to finish.
Time: Sunday, January 27th, 3:30 p.m. EST
TV: ABC
Records: Oklahoma City Thunder (34-10) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (18-25)
Betting Line: Not available as of Saturday, January 26, 10:45 a.m. EST
Injuries: Steve Blake (abdomen, day-to-day), Jordan Hill (hip, out)
Key Storyline: Can Lakers Turn Tides and Avenge Earlier Losses to OKC?
The Lakers need to right the ship quickly, and will need to play better basketball than they did against the Thunder earlier this season. The teams first met in Oklahoma City on December 7, and to Los Angeles' defense, the Lakers did a good job...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
