Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Gameday: The Oklahoma City Thunder vs The LA Lakers

By Joshua Lea

Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The aftermath of yesterday’s events has the OKC Thunder with new light. Tonight is our first opportunity to see that light.

Yesterday, the Oklahoma City Thunder became the talk of the NBA. They did so by sending three players to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott. The three players sent were Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow, and Joffrey Lauvergne.

For the Thunder, this was a move that had to be made. The Oklahoma City Thunder need help on the offensive end; that much is clear following the injury to Enes Kanter. Also noteworthy, Kanter is likely to play tonight, along with Gibson and McDermott.

Must Read: Quick reaction to the Cam Payne, McBuckets trade

Tonight the Oklahoma City Thunder will be taking on a familiar foe, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers made headlines just days before the trade deadline announcing Ervin Magic Johnson as the President of basketball operations in Lakerland.

The Lakers traded Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer. LA was once a dominant organization, but is now slipping into a laughing stock in the NBA as each year passes. Clearly, bringing in Magic is a poly for a culture change.

Nevertheless, the Lakers still have scorers who can produce. The D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle combo is a budding superstar duo in the making. Brandon Ingram is also coming along in his rookie season, averaging 8.0 points a game.

Related Story: Twitter reacts to the Cameron Payne trade

These two organizations know each other well. If you recall the 2010 playoffs, former Laker Pau Gasol tipped the ball in with .5 seconds left, giving the Lakers the series 4-2. Two years later, the Oklahoma City Thunder would destroy the Lakers in five games, getting their revenge.

Following the events of Kevin Durant and the retirement of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have become less of a rival and more of a cousin nobody cares for. The Lakers are currently lost in the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a record of 19-39. The dynamics of the NBA are shifting as the Lakers are now an easy win.

More from Thunderous Intentions

For the Thunder, this game will be about Gibson and McDermott getting reps with the team. As of now, it’s unclear if Gibson will start over Domantis Sabonis. Assuming Gibson does start over Sabonis, that would leave McDermott getting Morrow’s minutes and shots.

Given the Lakers recent struggles, and the Thunder’s quest to establish playoff position. Expect the Thunder to come out breathing fire against the Lakers. Add in the return of Kanter and the energy of Chesapeake, the Thunder could explode for 120 easily tonight.

One day, the Thunder and the Lakers will be the best in the West again. While the Lakers have a longer road than the Thunder, the guidance of Magic Johnson will help the Lakers. That is until they run into Russell Westbrook.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm central time.

Home/Thunder News