The Lakers will play their second game of their four game road trip against a scorching hot Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder
The biggest question heading into the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder is if the young Lakers can slow down the barreling train that is Russell Westbrook.
We knew Russ was going to put up monster numbers this season, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted the start he’s had. Westbrook is leading the league in points with 41.2 points per game and is fifth in the league in assists.
Despite this, the Oklahoma City Thunder face an uphill battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Teams like the Utah Jazz, who Los Angeles lost to Friday night, will likely have a higher seed than OKC this season.
The hole left by Kevin Durant after he fled to the Golden State Warriors is nearly impossible to fill, but the front office has done a great job of surrounding Westbrook with young talent. After locking Westbrook up for another four years, the organization is now working on keeping a few more of their pieces, per The Verical’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sources: OKC engaged with Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo reps on rookie extension talks. Discussing Adams $100M-range, Oladipo $80M-range.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 30, 2016
Fortunately, LA has a young core of their own that cost a fraction of what OKC will pay for their players. After winning their season opener for the first time since the 2013-14 season, the team lost their first game on the road to the Utah Jazz.
The Purple and Gold shot an abysmal 38.1 percent from the field and gave up 40 points on free throws alone. That and a few questionable calls by the referees resulted in a 96-89 loss to the Jazz.
They have a chance to bounce back and make a statement against a fiery OKC team.
Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
Start Time: 4 p.m. PT
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Arena: Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV Info: Spectrum Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: No injuries
Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne (Foot)
Prediction
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The key for Los Angeles will be finding a way to stop Russell Westrbook, which is really hard to do. Especially because of their defensive inefficiencies in the backcourt with D’Angelo Russell.
Russell struggled against the Jazz on Friday, shooting 21 percent from the field. If LA wants to win this game, Russell needs to get the ball in the bucket.
The bench will also be an x-factor for tonight’s game. Oklahoma barely have enough talent on their roster to make a competitive starting lineup, while the Lakers bench has outperformed their starters all season. A few strong runs by the bench mob might be enough to get a win on the road.
Both of these teams like to run, so expect this to be a high scoring affair.
Next: Five Bold Predictions After LA’s Opening Games
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