Westbrook, Kanter power playoff-hopeful Thunder past Lakers

Russell Westbrook received a little help from the Oklahoma City Thunder's newest weapon.

Westbrook and Enes Kanter each double-doubled to power the Thunder to a 127-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Steven Adams also double-doubled in the win, the surging Thunder's fourth in a row.

The Thunder point guard was his typical self, as Westbrook carved up the Lakers for 27 points and 11 assists to extend Oklahoma City's lead over the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference to three games.

Westbrook's big effort was his 15th game this season with at least 25 points and 10 assists, which is easily the top mark in the NBA.

Kanter added 25 and 16 rebounds, continuing his torrid play since joining the Thunder in a deadline deal with the Utah Jazz. He went off for 15 points and 10 rebounds in the first quarter and has double-doubled in 10 of 15 games with Oklahoma City.

Despite consistently dealing with an assortment of injuries to key players, the Thunder are inching closer to securing their sixth consecutive playoff appearance.

Lakers rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson did his best to match Westbrook, erupting for a career-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting with seven assists and four rebounds. He also rose up to throw down a monster two-handed slam.

The Lakers have lost 10 of their last 12 games.