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Lakers’ game vs Thunder Wednesday is most important of the season

By Davide Tovani

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 01: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes around Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center on March 01, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 01: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes around Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center on March 01, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) /
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On Wednesday night the Los Angeles Lakers handed the Phoenix Suns their fifth loss in six games, shifting once more the power balance in the unstable Western Conference.

The once-favorite Suns are now haunted by the struggling Los Angeles Clippers (hit by the most recent Paul George injury). More importantly, positions six through ten are once again widely open for any team below the Clippers to take them.

The purple and gold currently figure in the play-in picture with a 36-37 record and the tenth seed in the West. On Friday night the Lakers will have the chance for the second time in the last ten days to reach .500.

It is clear that each of the remaining nine games in the regular season will be crucial for LA and just a win or a loss could make the difference between a successful playoff qualification or complete failure. Anyway, the game ahead represents an opportunity not to be missed and a particularly meaningful chance.

The Lakers’ game vs Thunder might be most important of the season.

The Lakers will face the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder at home at Crypto.com Arena. In principle, this would make for a tough and undesired match for LA, but the major fact to take into consideration is that Thunder will be on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, facing the Clippers the night right before.

With a full two-day of rest, the Lakers should be in a good position to bring it to the Thunder and cause them trouble with their tenacious defense, especially putting a group of tough defenders such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves on the head of the serpent, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

A win to reach an even record for the first time in the season would not only (kind of) consolidate LA’s position in the playoff run, but it would represent a testament to the successful third part of the season the Lakers have had after the trade deadline.

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This would serve as a strong boost for the team’s morale while also sending a strong signal to the whole league that they are really a dangerous player in the championship hunt, given what they have accomplished without arguably their best player.

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