Thunder vs Lakers preview and gamethread: Paul George faces scorned LA

Game: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles lakers

Time: 9:30PM CST

Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles

Broadcast: ESPN, FSOK

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The Thunder are in Los Angeles tonight to take on the Lakers, with OKC looking to earn their first win of 2019. While tonight’s game will largely focus on the fact that Paul George decided to stay in Oklahoma City rather than head home and play in an LA uniform, the outcome itself may be dictated by the guy who won’t be in a jersey — LeBron James. James continues to miss games due to a groin injury, which means his young Lakers squad will have to face the Thunder defense without their centerpiece.

Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to build some more consistency after an up-and-down couple of weeks. Russell Westbrook’s shot is finally rounding into some form of consistency, but he’s not all the way back. His approach to tonight will be critical — will he look to set others up, or keep looking for his shot to fall?

Steven Adams should also play a prominent role, as he has gotten precious few touches as of late. Adams may not be Joel Embiid offensively, but he’s far too talented to only see scoring opportunities a handful of times per game. He may have his way against the Lakers front line, and it will be up to Westbrook and others to find him.

Defense first though. Defense always. And look to the sage words from Russ as to why he before, and PG now, remain in Thunder orange and blue.