Lakers vs. Thunder: Why Matchup is Pivotal to LA's Title Run

On Thursday, the L.A. Lakers have the opportunity to take down the team everyone in the Western Conference is collectively trying to conquer—the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They are the the Cato of the Western Conference, and if L.A. takes them down, it could be the Katniss.

The Lakers, currently in first place in the Pacific Division, are in third place in the conference standings, seven games behind the mighty Thunder. If they are to make a run for the NBA title for the fourth time in five years, they'll probably have to go through Oklahoma City to do it.

Thursday's game, therefore, cannot only do wonders for their confidence as the postseason creeps closer—it will allow the up-and-down (but mostly up) Lakers to prove they can beat the best of the best in order to be the best once again.

L.A. hasn't faced Oklahoma City since February 23, when it suffered a 100-85 road loss and couldn't find an answer for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant had 33 points and Westbrook had 19, and OKC headed into the All-Star break tied with Miami for the league's best record at 27-7.

Now, a little over a month later, there are a few things working in L.A.'s favor that weren't back when these two teams met in February. One is that the game is at the Staples Center. The last time the Thunder beat the Lakers, it was their 12th consecutive home win. The Lakers don't have quite as dominant a home record, but it sure will help to not be playing in the Thunder's house.

Secondly, most of the turmoil and uncertainty that plagued the Lakers back in February has dissipated. Back then, Kobe Bryant was still in the midst of his tantrum over the organization's treatment of trade rumors concerning Pau Gasol, publicly questioning management. Now, the trade deadline has passed, Gasol is still wearing purple and gold and the Lakers have moved up a couple of notches from fifth in the conference to third.

Third, and most importantly, L.A. has Ramon Sessions now. He was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, and in seven games, he is averaging 13.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, higher than his season averages in both cases. The last time he played OKC as a member of the Cavs on March 9, he had 10 points and three assists in 22 minutes. He gives the Lakers someone who can match up against Westbrook and limit turnovers that result in too many transition points for the Thunder guard.

L.A. has the NBA's leading scorer in Bryant. It has a brand new point guard who can challenge one of OKC's most impactful players. It has a much stronger sense of cohesion than it did the last time these two teams faced each other.

The Lakers are certainly capable of beating the Thunder at home on Thursday, and if they can get the job done, it bodes well for their chances heading into the postseason. Thursday night is only the first step to proving they can be back where they were two years ago come June.