The Los Angeles Lakers have a Sunday showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder on ABC. This game is a extremely important game for both ball clubs with the playoffs approaching in a matter of weeks. Los Angeles is coming off of an 121-97 thrashing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center a few nights back. It marked the first game back for Kobe Bryant, in which he scored 18 points on 7-12 shooting from the field. Thus far this season the Lakers like countless teams in the NBA have yet to defeat the Thunder (0-3). Destiny lies in the hands of the Lakers for the time being, a loss can change everything in this berserk playoff picture. The Los Angeles Clippers are only a half game behind the Lakers in the standings, no questions to who they’re pulling for Sunday. This game is also major for Oklahoma City, who are just a single game behind the San Antonio Spurs for best record in the west. A playoff atmosphere should be expected in Sunday’s game at the Staples Center, emotions will be running high, and the stars will be out.
During this game remember that the playoff race isn’t the only race to inspect. The NBA scoring title is at stake as well, Kobe Bryant leads the league in scoring (27.89 ppg), Durant is right behind him (27.79 ppg). In an ESPN interview Bryant downplayed the significance of the scoring title that will add to his smorgasbord of accolades. Kobe stated “(It’s) not very important,” “San Antonio was playing me single coverage, if it was important I would have gone for 50”. The sad thing is I believe him, Kobe also said. “You guys know I can get it” (the scoring title) “I’m not really tripping about it”. Sundays game will be a grueling fight to the finish for both teams as anticipated. Thunder guard Derek Fisher makes his second trip to the Staples Center this season, with a chance to take the wind out of this L.A. sail. After a un-watchable defensive outing against the San Antonio Spurs, let’s hope OKC doesn’t shoot 65% from the field. If so this could be a long Sunday afternoon for the Lakers. With a great storyline, two great teams, and two stars battling all that’s left to say is. LET THE DRAMA BEGIN!
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