L.A. Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka Is Key to Thunder Victory

The Oklahoma City Thunder need a big performance from Serge Ibaka in Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Ibaka is the most intimidating defender in the NBA today. He will be tested by one of the NBA's emerging stars, Andrew Bynum. Bynum and Ibaka's battle will determine the victor on Sunday.

This is how Ibaka can swing things in Oklahoma City's favor, and give the Thunder the series sweep over the Lakers.

Shutdown Bynum on Offense

Ibaka must keep Bynum's low-post game in check for the Thunder to come out victorious. Bynum averages nearly 19 points per game and has played excellent in the last five games. 

Ibaka needs to use his length to pester Bynum's shot. Bynum is bulkier than Ibaka, but Ibaka's long arms will make up for any difference in strength. 

Ibaka averages 3.6 blocked shots per game. Blocking a few shots on Sunday will frustrate Bynum and could draw Bynum's nasty demeanor out of its shell.

Getting in Bynum's head is huge. Without a focused Bynum, the Lakers become a one-man show. Kobe Bryant is the NBA's leading scorer, but he will not beat the Thunder by himself. 

Keep Bynum off the Glass

Bynum is a menace on the glass. He hauls down nearly 12 boards per game. Ibaka must counter that by boxing out and grabbing some rebounds of his own. 

The Lakers rely heavily on Bynum's ability to create second-chance opportunities and hold opponents to one shot on every trip down the floor. 

If you take Bynum's rebounding out of the Lakers equation, you diminish their effectiveness on both ends of the court. 

Ibaka averages nearly eight rebounds per game. He cannot carve out space like Bynum does down low, but he can use his lanky frame to jump over the Lakers center. 

Provide an Offensive Boost 

Ibaka averages nine points per game. He must contribute at least that much if the Thunder want to knock off the Lakers on Sunday. 

Ibaka's offensive repertoire is extremely raw. He does not have great touch, but his athleticism allows him to make up for whatever skill he lacks. 

Bynum is an adequate shot-blocker and will turn Ibaka away on the low block. However, Ibaka runs the floor extremely well. His ability to beat Bynum down the floor for easy flushes will provide a boost to the high-scoring Thunder. 

The Thunder know what they are going to get from Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook on the scoring sheet.

Ibaka's added production would put them over the top.