It’s April 13, 2012 and the (37-22) Los Angeles Lakers host the (32-26) Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center. The Lakers finished their three-game road trip, going 2-1 and exceeding expectations in an underdog role, with an emphatic 98-84 win over the Spurs in San Antonio, Texas.
The Lakers have been up and down all season, wildly inconsistent and at times lethargic. Wednesday’s win over the Spurs (seeded second in the Western Conference) was a statement game though. It is difficult – and even unnatural – to avoid placing too much importance on one win. However, the victory provided every L.A. player a valuable lesson.
The Lakers found out that, contrary to popular belief, they could win without Kobe Bryant if needed. They also found out what they could accomplish without the shooting guard, and how opponents would defend them, in his absence. Bryant had the opportunity to see the ball move from side-to-side and watch the team execute the offense without him.
Thumping the Spurs in their house without Kobe Bryant showed everyone paying attention what this Lakers team is capable of doing when engaged. They committed to the game plan, playing with a sense of urgency. They knocked down shots and center Andrew Bynum dominated on both ends of the court.
Bynum’s 30-rebound performance was powerful. Forward Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves was the last NBA player to grab 30 rebounds on November 31st of 2010. Bynum became only the fifth Laker to grab 30-rebounds, joining George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Elgin Baylor.
Bynum’s performance was reminiscent of Laker great Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the Lakers’ record for rebounds in a game (42, in Boston). Wilt Chamberlain is the NBA’s all-time rebounding leader with 23, 924.
The Lakers currently lead the season series with the Nuggets (2-1), after dropping, the season series to the Nuggets the past two seasons (1-2, in 2010-2011 & 1-3, in 2009-2010). The results of the last two season series marked only the second time the Lakers have lost consecutive season series to the Nuggets since the 1977-1978 & 1978 -1979.
The Lakers are 4-6 in their last 10 game overall against the Nuggets. L.A. is 19-4 all-time against Denver at the Staples Center, 7-3 in their last 10. Los Angeles won the last meeting 93-89 on 2/3/2012. The Nuggets rank first in scoring (103.7) and first in assists (23.8) in the league.
The Lakers need to continue to run their offense through Andrew Bynum and benefit from him dominating inside. Every player on the team has to play better and become more of a factor when the star player is out. That has been the case with the purple and gold as Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Matt Barnes and Steve Blake have all quietly played better. Ramon Sessions winning his match up against Ty Lawson will be a key tonight. The Lakers have to play well against the pick-and-roll play, stop the dribble penetration of the guards, defend, get back in transition, control the tempo, control the boards and quickly rotate out to open shooters. The Lakers will be in great shape if they can limit the Nuggets second-chance points and Andrew Bynum can be the defensive anchor and shut down the painted area.
Starters
Lakers: R. Sessions, D.Ebanks, M. Peace, P.Gasol, A. Bynum
Nuggets: T. Lawson, A. Afflalo, D. Gallinari, K. Faried, K. Koufos
Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST
Television –
- Los Angeles: FS West (Bill Macdonald & Stu Lantz)
- Denver: Altitude Sports & Entertainment (Chris Marlowe & Scott Hastings )
Radio –
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
- Denver: KKFN AM 950 (Jerry Schemel & Mark Bertagnolli)
Injuries –
Lakers:
- Kobe Bryant (Tenosynovitis, Left Shin) Out
- Andrew Bynum (Sprained Left Ankle) Probable
- Jordan Hill (Sprained MCL, Right Knee) Questionable
- Ramon Sessions (Sprained Left Shoulder, AC Joint) Probable
Nuggets:
- Al Harrington (Torn Knee Cartilage) Day-to-Day
- Wilson Chandler (Hip Strain) Day-to-Day