The month of March was an outstanding one for the Los Angeles Lakers as they went 15-2 and looked like a real contender while picking up multiple victories over playoff teams. Now in their first game in the month of April, they are set to test themselves against the best team in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder.<\/p>\n
The Thunder also enjoyed a great run in March as they went 14-1 and remain at the top of the standings with the best record in basketball. And Austin Reaves is excited about the chance to take on the defending champions and see where they stand.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very exciting,\u201d Reaves said after the team\u2019s most recent win. \u201cObviously, they are the defending champs, playing at a high level, one of the best, if not, the best team in the league. We have an opportunity to go into OKC and battle them.\u201d<\/p>\n
So far, the Thunder have taken both games these teams have played, but the Lakers have been operating on a different level as of late and Reaves loves the way they have been coming together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in a good spot. Playing for one another,\u201d Reaves added. \u201cLike I said, listening to the game plans that the coaches give us and going out and trying to execute it the best we can. Like I said, sacrificing for one another. The main goal is to win and that\u2019s what we have been harping about.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Reaves said, the main goal of this team is to win and every player has been locked in with that. The Lakers have relied on many players and each one of them has stepped up when needed during this stretch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, obviously Luka (Don\u010di\u0107) has played at a very high level as everybody knows. LeBron (James) as well,\u201d Reaves noted. \u201cLike you said, everybody has chipped in in different ways. Marcus (Smart) was big for us, Jake (LaRavia), DA (Deandre Ayton) has been monstrous, Jaxson (Hayes). It\u2019s been a team effort. Like I said, everybody has sacrificed with the common goal of trying to win and that\u2019s what we\u2019ve been doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
It will take the efforts of the entire team to take down the Thunder, but with the way they\u2019ve been playing, this Lakers team will be up to the challenge.<\/p>\n
Marcus Smart out for Lakers vs. Thunder <\/p>\n
Unfortunately for the Lakers, they will once again be without their defensive leader as Marcus Smart will miss his sixth consecutive game with an ankle contusion<\/a> as the team remains cautious with the veteran guard with the playoffs around the corner.<\/p>\n