The Los Angeles Lakers will tip off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:30 p.m. ET. While the game could have significant implications on the NBA playoff picture, the game is also a welcome back party for Derek Fisher, who was traded to the Thunder in March after spending 13 seasons playing in the Staples Center with the Lakers.
Thunder Vs. Lakers: Derek Fisher Returns To The Staples Center
The Oklahoma City Thunder will tip off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Derek Fisher will return to the Staples Center for the first time since being traded earlier in March.
Though admittedly past his prime, Fisher should receive a warm welcome for his longtime service when he steps onto the court. His arrival in OKC actually kicked off the four-game winning streak the Thunder are currently enjoying, though he hasn't recorded more than five points and three assists in any outing yet. The team's success has more to do with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continuing to be one of the most effective offensive combinations in the league.
The Lakers have won three of their last four games, and appear to be on the uptick. They barely beat a struggling Golden State Warriors team, 104-101, on Tuesday night, however. Andrew Bynum was benched for the final nine minutes of the game after attempting, and missing, a 3-pointer. It's a bad time for drama for the Lakers, who only have 16 games left to possibly make up the 4.5-game difference between them and the second-place San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference standings.
For more on the Thunder, head over to Welcome to Loud City. For more on Los Angeles, please check out Silver Screen and Roll, SB Nation’s Lakers blog. For more on this and every other NBA game, please head over to the SB Nation basketball hub page.
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