There is an old saying that the third time is the charm, and the Los Angeles Lakers certainly hope that is true on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers welcome Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and the Oklahoma City Thunder to town, looking for their first win in three tries against the Thunder this season.
Durant scored 33 points to lead the Thunder to a 100-85 win in Oklahoma City on February 23, then Westbrook returned home to Los Angeles to score 36 points in a 102-93 win at Staples Center on March 29. Sunday is the regular season home finale for the Lakers, and here are the probable starting lineups:
Thunder (46-17)
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha
Small Forward: Kevin Durant
Power Forward: Serge Ibaka
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Lakers (40-24)
Point Guard: Ramon Sessions
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant
Small Forward: Metta World Peace
Power Forward: Pau Gasol
Center: Andrew Bynum
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.