Usually opponents viewed the Lakers as measuring stick games, hoping a regular-season victory would reveal how they could fare in the postseason.
Now it's the opposite. The Lakers (20-13) visit Oklahoma City (26-7), the Western Conference's top team that many feel will advance to the NBA Finals. The Lakers will quickly find out if their aging and experienced roster will prove enough against a team, whose average age rests at 25.46.
After defeating the aging Celtics on Thursday, the Thunder has confidence the purple & gold will also run out of energy. After picking up their first road signature win against Dallas, the Lakers remain determined that they've finally established a positive identity.
CLick below the jump to discuss and find out which scenario unfolds
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--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com