True Lakers Fans

(24-21) LAKERS at THUNDER (26-17)

[size=150]Thursday, January 17, 2019, 6:30 PM PDT
Chesapeake Bay Arena - Oklahoma City, OK

Referees: Tom Washington (#49), Courtney Kirkland (#61), Haywoode Workman (#66)

Replay Center: Brian Forte, Natalie Sago

Line: Thunder -10

National TV only: TNT





by NBA.com

Here is what you need to know before the Lakers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

1) Defense has become the Lakers’ calling card

Since LeBron James went down with a strained groin, the Lakers have relied on their defense, ranking second in both opponent field goal percentage (42.5) and opponent 3-point percentage (32.0).

The Lakers have been an excellent defensive team for most of the season, with players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Tyson Chandler and JaVale McGee stepping up on that side of the ball.

In Tuesday’s win over Chicago, they held their opponents to only 100 points on 40.2 percent shooting. In their 11 games without LeBron, they are third in the NBA in defensive rating (103.5).

But they do need to step up on the other end, ranking last in offensive rating (100.9) during that same span.

2) Zo’s been providing something of everything

While the Lakers’ offense struggled against the Bulls, Lonzo Ball provided the necessary spark to get the right final result.

The sophomore finished with a game-high 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, adding a scorching stretch in the third quarter when he scored 11 straight for the Lakers.

Ball has been doing it all lately, averaging 13/7/7 over L.A.’s last five games, while adding two steals in each. Whether it’s attacking in transition or picking up full-court on defense, Ball has been there to provide energy plays.

3) OKC is looking to snap out of its rut

The Thunder boast the NBA’s highest-rated defense, but in their last five games they have surrendered a league-high 128.6 points, which has unsurprisingly resulted in four losses.

But Oklahoma City has no shortage of firepower, led by top-10 scorer Paul George — who dropped 37 points on the Lakers two weeks ago and has scored 30-plus in 11 of his last 20 games.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook is on pace to average a triple-double for the third straight season, and Steven Adams is a monster on the offensive glass. Toss in a potential return to defensive form and OKC is one of the most formidable opponents in the NBA.

Injury Report

Lakers: LeBron James (strained left groin) and Rajon Rondo (right ring finger surgery) are out. Isaac Bonga, Alex Caruso and Johnathan Williams are on G League assignment.
Thunder: Nerlens Noel (concussion protocol), Andre Roberson (left patellar tendon) and Alex Abrines (personal) are out.

https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/190117- ... gs-to-know

Brethren, I'm down in Riviera Maya, Mexico for a Dead & Company 4 day festival, but will try to keep up with the game threads. The games? Not so much. Go Lakers!

Hey, way to escape the wet and windy winter California has been having! Needless to say, I've been extremely frustrated with the way our season has gone. Even without mega-star LeBron (who was just getting into his groove) and savvy veteran Rondo, we've been playing beneath our capabilities and have yet to convince the fan base that the young core as a whole is our immediate future from a playoffs standpoint.

That being said . . . I will have to adjust my emotions and just look for the silver linings from here on out. Finishing in the top 8 is certainly possible IF we get and STAY 100% healthy from late January onward. Not qualifying for the playoffs with LeBron on the roster - injuries or no - is just not a good look, especially when you throw in quality vets like Rondo, McGee, Chandler and Stephenson. Changes are likely no matter what, especially with all the 1-year deals and players like KCP existing as trade bait, so I suppose all we can do is ride out this challenging schedule and hope for health and some sort of hot streak.

Enjoy your vacation Kenny, I will Post the next Game Thread if you do not . Regarding our team, lets see how things play out. Still a long ways to go but what I see isn't promising for this year so far. I will be happy if we just make the Playoffs.

Why I am watching this? It's over already, 32-17 Thunder - we have 0 energy. Time to get drunk on my night off and watch a marathon of the Munsters

3Peatkb24 wrote: Time to get drunk on my night off and watch a marathon of the Munsters

Ha ha I can picture you watching that too, with a glass of Crown on ice in your hand. Them and the Addams Family - classic television.

I'll stop by the bar on my way home and catch a few minutes of the slaughter.

Gave up too soon guys!!

Lonzo is playing ball the past game and a half. If he could sustain this play, I might start believing in his potential again

!!!GEAUX LACQUERS!!!

lakerevolution wrote:

3Peatkb24 wrote: Time to get drunk on my night off and watch a marathon of the Munsters

Ha ha I can picture you watching that too, with a glass of Crown on ice in your hand. Them and the Addams Family - classic television.

I'll stop by the bar on my way home and catch a few minutes of the slaughter.

I love the Munsters . I have been watching the game for a few now, our Defense is playing pretty hard here in the 4th. Only down by 2 at 105-103 midway through the 4th Qtr.

Kuz baby! Lakers lead 114-113.

That was a bad call, went off Westbrook and then they get a 3 point play.

116-116, Lance should be in the game, Ball is making mistakes left and right.

Zubac is playing like Wilt 118-118

Kuzma is killing it! Lakers lead on a Kuz 3!