Lakers vs. Thunder: Start time, TV schedule and game preview

The Los Angeles Lakers have kept it quiet in the hours leading up to the trade deadline, and once the smoke settles across the NBA, they’ll be playing host to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers just picked up a huge victory on the road over Russell Westbrook and co., and they’ll get a chance to double-down on that Thursday evening.

Lonzo Ball remains out, continuing down the long road back from his MCL sprain. Ball has been picking up his activity levels in workouts with Lakers assistant coach Miles Simon, but remains sidelined. He was also non-committal about being ready to get back on the court by the Rising Stars Game during All-Star weekend, which goes to show there’s still much progress to be had.

The Lakers will be looking for their fourth win in a row, hoping to duplicate the kind of all-around effort they had when they beat the Thunder in Oklahoma City just a few days ago. All five starters reached double-digit scoring total, while Jordan Clarkson clocked in 18 points off the bench.

They also did a great job of holding Carmelo Anthony down, ending his night with 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting. Julius Randle got the better of that matchup, and should look to do more of the same any time he has Melo in front of him.

Things have been fairly smooth in LA, which goes to show that winning really is the best cure-all in the NBA. Even better, the uncertainty of the trade deadline will have passed, allowing everyone to focus on the final 29 games of the season.

The question is, will the roster look any different before they embark on the next leg of the season? Enjoy the game!

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: TNT, FSOK