Lakers vs Thunder Preview: Long Shot at Redemption
By Eric Yee
Wednesday night represents a long shot at redemption as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder
Fans thought the Lakers had reached rock bottom upon losing to the league worst Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the season, so they were surprised when they fell even further last Saturday night after a 40 point loss to the Thunder.
Coming in a 15 point underdog, it was a foregone conclusion that the Lakers would likely lose their game against the Thunder, but what actually played out was unwatchable.
The Thunder ended up embarrassing the Kobe-less Lakers, and to add insult to injury, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook did not even play in the fourth quarter.
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That night, despite given the chance to face up with two of the premier players in the league and show their worth, the Lakers young players rolled over early and showed no desire to compete.
Over the course of the past few games, D’Angelo Russell has returned to his rookie slump and will likely remain there with a tough match up against the formidable Westbrook.
Russell, D’Angelo that is, hasn’t shown the ability to push his game to the next level against the leagues top point guards, so don’t expect much from him tonight.
OFFICIAL: The @Lakers have recalled Tarik Black and Ryan Kelly from the D-Fenders
— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) December 23, 2015
In other news, the Lakers recalled Tarik Black and Ryan Kelly from their D-League affiliate, but it is also doubtful that they see the light of day in Byron’s rotations.
Anthony Brown started the last contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder and was required to guard Kevin Durant, so it’ll be interesting to see whether or not he gets another shot at redemption against the Thunder forward.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 23
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Arena: STAPLES Center
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Thunder -14
Moneyline: Thunder -350, Lakers +275
O/U: 207
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant (rest)—Probable, Julius Randle (ankle)–Probable
Oklahoma City Thunder: None to report
Next: Rare Lakers Victory Fails to Advance Team's Primary Objective
Prediction
149. 94. 20. Final. 107
The Lakers are coming off a rare victory and have failed to win two games in a row any time this season. That said, it will be even more difficult a task when the Thunder come into town, with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook getting better with each game.
The Thunder have only lost one game in their past nine contests, so look for them to add to their two game win streak with a victory in Los Angeles.
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