NBA Playoffs 2012: Lakers Vs. Thunder Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

May 16, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) attempts a shot while being guarded by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half in game two of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to push the Lakers to the brink of elimination as the series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3.

After an excruciating last-minute loss in Game 2, the Los Angeles Lakers will try to salvage their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The series shifts to Staples Center with the Lakers and Kobe Bryant licking their wounds after a Game 2 collapse and trying to avoid a nearly insurmountable 0-3 hole. Bryant returns to L.A.'s friendly confines after missing his final five shots before a Steve Blake 3-pointer went off the rim to seal the Lakers' Wednesday night loss.

The Thunder enter Game 3 looking to make short work of the series and put the Lakers on the brink of elimination. After a miserable second half on the offensive end, Oklahoma City went on a 9-0 run to edge out the Lakers and maintain home-court advantage. Kevin Durant hit his second floating game-winning shot in as many series, and will look to continue the dramatics in Hollywood. The Thunder split their two games in L.A. against the Lakers this season, but despite the ugly second half on Wednesday, they remain undefeated in this 2012 postseason.

Tip is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday night, with broadcast coverage provided by ESPN.

For more on the Lakers, head over to Silver Screen And Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Thunder, head over to Welcome To Loud City.