SLAM LAST UPDATED » May 17, 2008 at 1:25 am

Friday, April 18th, 2008  |  59 Comments

First Round Preview: L.A. Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

The 50 win 8th seed vs. the surprise #1 seed

By: Holly MacKenzie

“Let’s go. This is what it’s all about for me. You can’t draw it up any better,” Iverson said. “People say he’s the best basketball player on the planet, so I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge. Especially with me believing that about myself, so let’s go.

“This is what it’s about. If you’re scared, get a dog.”
-Allen Iverson on a match up with Kobe Bryant

As much as I love Ivy and I respect how he views competition, I think it will be a Kobe Bryant-led squad that crushes his championship dreams once again.

As a reward for locking up the top spot in the West, the Lakers get to face Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. While the Lakers have gone 3-0 against the Nuggets in the season series, the playoffs are a whole different ballgame.

Although people are quick to talk about the effect that the absence of Andrew Bynum will have on the Lakers, in this series, Trevor Ariza’s absence will hurt the Lakers as they try to contain Iverson and Anthony.

While Lakers started the season in disarray and have managed to complete it as one of the top teams in the league, the Nuggets — who had high hopes during training camp — only managed to sneak into the playoffs during the final week of the regular season.

With the teams around them determined to make moves and trade for talent, the Nuggets stayed put. Soon after the Lakers suffered the loss of Bynum, they pulled off the unimaginable and brought in Pau Gasol for spare parts. With rumors swirling about Denver trading for Ron Artest, they stuck with the roster they had. In doing so, they committed to relying on their offense as opposed to strengthening their defense. In this series, they will live and die by that choice.

While the Nuggets have two superstars in Iverson and Anthony and one of the best defenders in the league in Camby, they simply were unable to get it together the way they needed to this season. Yes, the Nuggets have more offensive firepower and they will have their 35-40 point quarters, but in the playoffs, structure and defense pay off. The Lakers have both, the Nuggets do not. Although Los Angeles lost Bynum and Ariza to injury, they have Kobe Bryant, and he has single-handedly made each and every player donning the purple and gold believe that they can — and should — hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the postseason.

Dealing with Iverson and Anthony will be no easy task for the Lakers, but trying to contain Bryant, shutting down Gasol and stopping Odom, in addition to containing bthe strong bench play of the Lakers will be too much for the Nuggets who have survived on their offense alone this season.

“I play for a coach that has nine championships. I’m going to get one before you do.”
-Coby Karl to his father, George Karl.

Beyond the statistics, the Lakers will win this series because Kobe Bryant is not going to let them lose. After thinking he was not going to wear a Laker uniform again during the summer, Bryant now has his entire squad believing that he will take them to the Promised Land. Though a bench led by Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf was getting torn up in the media last season, they have emerged as one of the best supporting casts in the entire league.When they come into the game, they not only sustain the lead, but also find a way to extend it and bring energy while Gasol and Bryant are getting breathers.

The young guys are now brimming with confidence and walking with swagger, in short they’ve stolen the Warriors mantra, and they believe.

“My name is Kobe Bryant and I want to win a championship”
-Kobe Bryant, opening day of training camp, August ‘07.

The Lakers have the combination of Gasol, who has never before tasted playoff success, with Bryant, who is hungrier and more competitive than any other player in this league (with a nod to Kevin Garnett), one of the best coaches in NBA history, a solid veteran supporting cast in Odom and Derek Fisher and a bench that can hang with anyone. And, oh yes, they also know how to play defense.

It’s going to be fun, but Lakers in six.

Position by Position

Point Guard

Anthony Carter (Den)
7.8 ppg/2.9 reb/5.5 apg/1.5 stl

Derek Fisher (LAL)
11.7 ppg/2.1 reb/2.9 apg/1 stl

Advantage: Lakers

Although Carter has higher assist numbers, Derek Fisher is an integral part of the Laker offense and an offensive threat around the perimeter. He is a solid complimentary guard and can explode for 20-plus on occasion.

Shooting Guard

Allen Iverson (DEN)
26.4 ppg/ 3.0 reb/7.2 apg/2.0 stl

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
28.3 ppg/6.3 reb/5.4 apg/1.8 stl

Advantage: Lakers

While the advantage has to go to the Lakers –Bryant very likely will be crowned MVP this season — former MVP Allen Iverson is right there with him, and has the ability to break the Lakers down, having dropped 51 against them in a December loss.

Small Forward

Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
25.7 ppg/7.4 reb/3.4 apg/1.3 stl

Lamar Odom (LAL)
14.2 ppg/10.6 reb/3.6 apg/1.0 stl

Advantage: Nuggets

Lamar Odom has been playing some of the best basketball of his career since the Pau Gasol trade, but Carmelo Anthony is an offensive explosion waiting to happen. Notably averaging 40.3 points per game on 68.1 percent shooting during a three-game stretch earlier this month, Anthony can put points on the board in a hurry.

Power Forward

Kenyon Martin (DEN)
12.4 ppg/6.5 reb/1.3 apg/1.2 stl

Vladamir Radmanovic (LAL)
8.4 ppg/3.3 reb/1.9 apg/0.7 stl

Although Kenyon Martin is not a huge offensive threat, he will be a tough cover for Radmanovic, who will slide over to the four, leaving Odom to cover Anthony.

Center

Marcus Camby (DEN)
9.1 ppg/13.1 reb/3.3 apg/1.1 stl

Pau Gasol (LAL)
18.8 ppg/7.8 reb/3.5 apg/0.5 stl

Advantage: Lakers

While Marcus Camby is a terrific defender, he is not a huge part of the Nugget offense and will be outscored by Gasol. When Camby does look to score, his points usually come on jump shots. The Lakers will aim to expose the Nugget defense by using drive-and-kicks and forcing Camby to decide whether he will stay home on Gasol or stop penetration.

Laker Strengths:

Kobe Bryant. Effective offense with many weapons. Can play the running game, but have the triangle to fall back on.

Laker Weaknesses:

Poor pick- and-roll defense. Increasingly reliant on the three-point shooting when their other shots are not falling. Lack of ball reversal in the triangle and impatience, leading to a lack of open shots — and shots not falling.

Nuggets Strengths:

Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, each of whom can take over a game on the offensive end. Strong bench play from JR Smith. Host of three-point shooters.

Nuggets Weaknesses:

Lack of offensive balance. Lack of a solid post presence. Not great at controlling the tempo. Expects to win by outscoring and outshooting their opponent.

The Lakers should take this series in six games. They will come out victorious if they:

Defensively:

1- Force Iverson into low-percentage shots and keep him off of the foul line.
2- Control the tempo and win the rebounding battle.
3- Force Carter to be a shooter/scorer, not a facilitator.
4- Allow Anthony to get his points, taking his team out of their rhythm with Iso’s.
5- Shut down JR Smith and Linas Kleiza early. Do not let them find a rhythm. Both are streaky shooters who will hurt you when they heat up.
Offensively:
1-Take advantage of the Gasol/Camby matchup and initiate the Laker offense through Gasol.
2- Take advantage of the size difference between Bryant and his defender, leading to double teams/defensive breakdowns for the Nuggets.
3- Use drive/kick situations that force Camby to rotate off of Gasol/Odom resulting in dunks and open lay ups.
4- Create their own tempo and do not get caught in the three-point barrage.

Denver X-Factor
The biggest x-factor for the Nuggets will be their bench play. They already know they will win or lose the series based on how hot they are offensively. With either Anthony or Iverson guaranteed to get theirs, the Nuggets will need solid play from their guys off of the bench. JR Smith has been that force as of late, coming into the game and providing solid minutes for Denver. He is a player with limitless talent, and range that seems to stretch on forever. The Lakers will need to contain him early if they don’t want to deal with him late. Linas Kleiza also has the potential to do damage offensively, and is averaging 13 points in the three regular- season contests against the Lakers. If Denver wants to win this series, they will need their bench to not only step up big, but outplay the Laker reserves, not an easy task.

Los Angeles X-Factor
Lamar Odom. While everyone in the league knows how much talent Lamar Odom possesses, how unique his skill set is and how tough of a match up he can be, they also know how much he hates the bright lights and pressures of being a go-to guy on the floor. Since the trade for Gasol, Odom has been bumped from the second offensive option to the third/fourth option, and he has responded beautifully. While he has shot 49 percent from the floor in his games without Gasol, when Pau is on the floor Odom’s average jumps to 59 percent Adding an aggressive Lamar Odom to the combo of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol will prove deadly for the Nuggets. The question that remains is whether or not Odom will show up to play.

(I vote YES.)

Season Series Breakdown

Game One: November 29th, Denver @ Los Angeles

LA Lakers 127 Denver 99

-Sasha Vujacic scored 19 of his career-high 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Lakers routed the Nuggets and the starters watched from the bench.
-Laker reserves outscored Denver reserves 63-29.
-Denver gives up 46-point fourth quarter to the Lakers with Bryant on the bench.
- Bryant had 24 points and 7 assists, Vujacic had 22 points, Bynum scored 12 points to go with 13 rebounds and Walton had 14 points off of the bench.
-Iverson scored 21 points (8-18 fg), and dished 6 assists for the Nuggets while Anthony finished with 23 points, Camby scored 11 points and grabbed 9 boards and Kleiza had 15 off of the bench.

Game Two: December 5th, Los Angeles @ Denver

LA Lakers 111 Denver 107

-Allen Iverson had 49 points through three quarters before the Lakers shut him down in the fourth.
-Teams were tied at 88 going into the fourth quarter before the Nuggets went cold and Iverson was denied the ball. While Iverson scored only 2 points in the fourth, Bryant had 12, including six straight to give the Lakers a four-point lead with under a minute left to play.
-Iverson was 15-18 from the free throw line.
-Camby had 20 rebounds but was scoreless for the game. Anthony scored 23 points and Najera added 10. Bryant finished with 25 points for the Lakers, Fisher scored 20, Radmanovic had 21 off of the bench and Odom added 17.

Game Three: January 22nd, Denver @ Los Angeles

LA Lakers 116 Denver 99

-Derek Fisher was the player of the game with a season-high 28 points for the Lakers, including shooting 6-7 from the three-point line.
-Story of the game was Anthony who left the game early in the second quarter with an ankle sprain after coming down on Bryant’s foot. Without one of their superstars the Nuggets fell behind and could not keep up with the Lakers.
-Besides Fisher’s 28, Bryant scored 17 points and dished 11 assists, Farmar had 19 off of the bench, Turiaf scored 11 and Odom had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Iverson led the Nuggets with 24 points (8-23 fg), Kleiza scored 21 off of the bench, Camby had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Martin scored 16 points to go with 11 rebounds and Carter was scoreless but dished 14 assists. Anthony scored 13 points in his 14 minutes before injuring the ankle.

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59 Responses to “First Round Preview: L.A. Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets”

Apr.18 at 1:17 pm

TADOne says:
Good gosh, this was long. I got about half way thru, and realized I still had about 2,000 words left to read. So Holly, forgive me if I missed it, but who do you have winning and by how many games?

Apr.18 at 1:20 pm

H to the izzo says:
Not feeling it my ass,this was great.

Apr.18 at 1:20 pm

Eboy says:
WHOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr.18 at 1:23 pm

Eboy says:
That was in regards to AI’s comments to Kobe! If no one besides Lakers fans AREN’T cheering for the Nugs, then the basketball world is seriously fuc*ed! Holly, that’s as far as I got, so let me continue.

Apr.18 at 1:24 pm

ATop says:
If this goes to 7 and his supporting cast doesn’t step up to his liking you think Kobe will quit like he did in the playoffs against the Suns a couple of years ago? People really should think about that before you give him the MVP and tarnish the award. Think about every past MVP would they have quit on there team in Game 7 of a playoff series? If your answer is yes than maybe the award doesn’t mean what it once meant and if thats true the only thing i have to say is this….The NBA where VC for MVP happens

Apr.18 at 1:25 pm

Eboy says:
If Coby Karl was my son, he’d be sporting a heavily bruised eye socket.

Apr.18 at 1:27 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Go Lakers. And italics.

Apr.18 at 1:28 pm

Eboy says:
ATop, I get the sentiment, but if past praises aren’t supposed to tarnish the results (which this seasons seems to be reliant on) than past mistakes shouldn’t either. Also, Example 1087 of differences between MJ and Kobe: Michael never quit on his team in-game, ever.

Apr.18 at 1:29 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
A Top, this isn’t about who should or shouldn’t win the MVP. If you wanna talk about why Kobe is not worthy of the vote, Lang’s picks are in yesterdays links and people are discussing them in the comments. Are you going with Denver or LA?

Apr.18 at 1:29 pm

Eboy says:
Holly, I’m actually surprised you gave the Nuggets 2 games.

Apr.18 at 1:31 pm

TADOne says:
The 2 games are for her AI love, i’d imagine.

Apr.18 at 1:31 pm

Eboy says:
If AI plays like the world’s greatest basketball player for 7 games, it could be the Nuggets, but in theory, unless 24 get’s overamped to meet AI’s one-minded mission, the Lakers should get out in 6. If Kobe bites, it can go 7 and then it’s all hell breaks loose in LA.

Apr.18 at 1:32 pm

Myles Brown says:
“Think about every past MVP would they have quit on there team in Game 7 of a playoff series? If your answer is yes than maybe the award doesn’t mean what it once meant…” Four words: Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan. Look it up.

Apr.18 at 1:32 pm

Eboy says:
These italics are murder.

Apr.18 at 1:32 pm

Myles Brown says:
Oh, and Lakeshow in 5. Maybe six if Melo finds his groove off that Grey Goose.

Apr.18 at 1:33 pm

Eboy says:
That was mildly confusing, Myles. Maybe it’s just these friggin italics.

Apr.18 at 1:34 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
Tad, sorry I was thorough…. Lakers in 6. I’m expecting Melo to have a big series for the Nuggets, but I have to go with the Lakers.

Apr.18 at 1:38 pm

Eboy says:
Melo’s going to be alright, I think Odom plays big in an open court series like this one, too.

Apr.18 at 1:38 pm

TADOne says:
Hope the Nugs have hired a DD.

Apr.18 at 1:56 pm

Michael says:
I don’t see this series going more than 5. The nuggets couldn’t beat te Lakers before they had Pau gasol how are they going to stop them now.

Apr.18 at 2:05 pm

Simone Lawy says:
lakers in 6…..sorry AI

Apr.18 at 2:10 pm

DP says:
Back again! Great post Holly. The Lakers got me feelin myself right now and the way my bracket is looking for the playoffs, I hope Kobe still keeps up his play and leads the Lakers to the Promise Land.

Apr.18 at 2:32 pm

Tom says:
whats with the italics, is this like a playoff thing? Lakers in 6, although individuallly nuggets and lakers match up pretty well, i think la is a much better team, and if they can disrupt iverson like they did for stretches in the regular season the series will be over before it begins.

Apr.18 at 2:38 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
I hope so too, DP! :)
Tom, no idea on the italics. Kinda makes me dizzy.

Apr.18 at 2:39 pm

Allenp says:
The only way the Nuggets win is if the magically discover how to play defense. Magic ain’t real.

Apr.18 at 3:08 pm

Co Co says:
Lakers in 5!

Apr.18 at 3:34 pm

Lehmannator22 says:
The Nuggets r gonna own um in the face!!

Apr.18 at 4:01 pm

The New Wilt says:
The lakers need to get off to a good start in this series. Winning the first two at home will take some pressure off the Kobe’s supporting cast (i.e. ODOM).

Apr.18 at 4:08 pm

TADOne says:
Nothing else to add, I just wanted to see my name in italics again.

Apr.18 at 4:16 pm

Bigi says:
Uno Mas!

Apr.18 at 4:37 pm

phanb says:
This is going to be a great series… If the Lakers are focused, I see no reason why they can’t challenge their best post season record of 16-1… I’m being real here

Apr.18 at 4:51 pm

Zee! says:
No one thinks the Lakers will sweep? If they do, god help whoever they play in the next round.

Apr.18 at 5:30 pm

Bubba Chuck says:
DENVER NUGGETS!

Apr.18 at 6:23 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Italicize me.

Apr.18 at 6:52 pm

Marty McFly says:
keep underestimating AI, slam…

Apr.18 at 7:48 pm

pogi says:
The Nuggets will surprise the world!!! Nuggets in 7!!!!!

Apr.18 at 7:50 pm

gwapo says:
men, look at them people bashing the nuggets.. it’s the nuggets against the world now! nugs will step up big time now!! Nuggets in 6

Apr.18 at 7:51 pm

handsome says:
BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A BEAT L.A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr.18 at 8:28 pm

Candice says:
Go Nuggets

Apr.18 at 8:38 pm

tealish says:
I’m liking Denver’s chances a lot more after reading that quote by AI. I’m sure he doesn’t really believe he’s the best player in the game today - he knows it isn’t early in the millenium any longer. But with AI going in with that mentality, it gives me some hope.
On the flip side, if Melo chooses this stage to assert himself as top dog, I see another first round exit.

Apr.18 at 11:16 pm

Dre Baldwin says:
I clicked on this link simply b/c I KNEW SLAM couldn’t have had anyone other than Holly Mac writing it!

Apr.19 at 12:38 am

Jason says:
I think the Lakers will take the series, i’m not sure in how many games yet…however, i’m tired of the medias disrespect of the Nuggets though. They play spotty defense, yes…but so do the Lakers and I find it funny that people are not mentioning that more. Its one thing to think a team is going to take the series…but its another thing to just be flat out disrespectful. And I like Holly’s approach to this article, because it was classy and straight to the point. Judging by some of the articles and comments I have been reading from people, you would think the Nuggets were the Atlanta Hawks or something…and not a 50 win team themselves. Iverson is like the King of negative media..so I already know what to expect when it comes to him..but the way the media hates on that team as a whole is pathetic. Even if the Nuggets won 6 or 7 extra games and was sitting on top of the West, something tealls me they would still hate.

Apr.19 at 12:47 am

Jason says:
Hey tealish, it doesn’t have to be the beggening of the millenium for Iverson to believe that about himself, he is still 1 of the best in the game…so I feel like he has earned the right to feel that way about himself. If that Nuggets team gets anywhere its going to be Iverson that leads them, because Carmelo is not a leader…he’s a good player, but not a leader. If Iverson was going to go play with someone younger…I wish he would have went to play with Lebron or even D-Wade…because either player is more mature just cares about winning. Sometimes I wish Iverson would have went to play with KG (when he was with the Timberwolves) because at leat he would have been playing next to a player with as much HEART as he has. To me as celebrated as Iverson is, I think he will always be underrated for what he brings to a team and its unfortounate.

Apr.19 at 1:20 am

Phil says:
Great preview Holly! Love reading your articles. Lakers will win in a sweep. :)

Apr.19 at 1:55 am

Hursty says:
wow holly, dont worry about being comprehensive. :)

Apr.19 at 1:58 am

Hursty says:
Lakers in 5. maybe 6. but thats why we play the game.

Apr.19 at 2:07 am

Sebastian says:
Holly, you forgot another huge Lakers’ advantage: Sasha Vujacic. He owns Melo, and will get in his head again.

Apr.19 at 2:33 am

tealish says:
Jason, I don’t disagree; AI is still one of the best in the game. But even from an Iverson fan’s perspective, he can’t be in the discussion of “best in the game” at this point in his career. I’m not saying that he isn’t capable of playing like the L’s best player in this series (where it seems everyone has all but penciled the Lakers into the 2nd round), but he sure isn’t the player he was in 2001.
For what it’s worth, I think AI is the greatest player currently still lacing them up, from an entire career’s standpoint. When I say greatest player, that’s all I mean - the greatest player. It’s blasphemous to suggest that Championships are overrated, but sometimes they are in terms of judging a player’s greatness. AI’s ringless fingers will continue to give the haters fuel because greatness has always and will always be defined by winning. While true, I think that distinction does AI no justice because even if he retires sans a chip, he’ll definitely go down as a winner.

Apr.19 at 4:14 am

Tariq says:
Yeah, I’d have thought Lakers in 5 too. I’d be surprised if Denver take two. They need some re-shuffling in the offseason. Get some damn defense, Nuggets!

Apr.19 at 4:18 am

Jason says:
I understand where you are coming from tealish…I was saying that Iverson is still 1 of the best in the game…ofcourse he’s not the best, I think that is Kobe right now and in a year or two it will be Lebron. But I was saying he is still 1 of the best at what he does and I think its disrespectful that people take advantage and at times looks over how great he performs every season. So my point was if he doesn’t beleive in himself, then who will? I mean the guy has been the underdog his entire career. Iverson consistantly has great seasons, this one being one of them, people are quick to look over that. I have been watching that Nuggets team close this season, and truth be told, if it wasn’t for Iversons will to want to win, that Nuggets team would not even be in the playoffs right now. If he was to leave the task up to Carmelo, they would probably be sitting at home watching the playoffs. The last thing that AI wanted was to miss the playoffs and watch the Sixers (who are 2 games below .500) make it, just so people can throw that in his face. I hate the fact that he is wasting his talent on a team that seems to not want to maximize its potential and take it to the next level. If the guy doesn’t win a ring before he retires, fine…but I would at least like to see him contend untill he retires. Tim Duncan is my favorite player, and in some ways he reminds me of how people sometimes treat Iverson. Even though TD has the rings, people still underestimate him and take advantage of the fact that he does great every season. I honastly think that Iverson has done all he can to try to help that Denver team succeed (he could pick up on his D a tad bit more, lol) but thats about it, the guy has done everything else for that team. And I just think it is unfair how he continues to get vilianized in the media is all.

Apr.19 at 9:48 am

Cub Buenning says:
I wrote a long comment, but lost it due to my cloudy morning head….
I got the Lakers in 7, but I would not be surprised by a Nugget win. Their defense is just not that bad. Using the points allowed per game is the wrong tool, as the Nuggets style of play leads to more possessions for everyone and therefore more points. #1 in blocks and steals, but last in intensity and heart.
They need those paddles to jump start their hearts. Defense is about heart and will. CLEAR!!!!!! JR and Linas are going to have to come up big for the Nugs, who are also one of the league’s best home teams (hence my 7 game thoughts)

Apr.19 at 1:54 pm

scott says:
LA Lakers in five. How is Denver not a better team? Oh wait they don’t play D.

Apr.19 at 4:53 pm

Sko says:
is Nene on the playoff roster? I know he’s not exactly in game shape, but does nobody remember how he hung w/TD last year? and his health/production is not an x-factor because?

Apr.19 at 10:54 pm

Candice says:
The Nuggets are 9th in defensive efficeny and the Lakers are 5th. The Lakers do not play lockdown defense either so I just don’t understand why people forget to mention that. If AI,Melo,JR,Klieza,Chucky,and Eddie are hot who on the Laker’s are gonna stop them? Kobe can’t ply defense on all of them. The Nuggets were defensively worse last year than this year and was able to tighten up their defense in the plyoff’s against the Spur’s so why can’t they do it against the Lakers, who are not the Spurs? I think another key factor will be Martin. He’s just as intense as AI and will give his all too. Nene is doubtful for game 1 but has been praticing and is looking good. I think it’s better that they are the underdog’s and I hope they do pull the upset.

Apr.19 at 11:54 pm

damascus fields says:
its kool for iverson to think he is the best….. but we all know that kobe is the best….. even nuggets fans will admit that… but iverson is a great player though… i got mad respect for him… cause he is so little… and he can still score at will…. come on he is shootin over guys that are like 7 inches taller than him….most likely u will think he cant see the basket… but he still scores…. but kobe… he is just on another level… i dont think iverson belongs in the same sentence as kobe…. kobe gets compared to jordan…. not iverson… but ill tell u this…. iverson got mad heart…. thats why i got mad respect for him…. but i did remember when ppl use to say iverson is better than kobe around 2000-2001… but it aint the case no more… kobe killed that comparison… no debate…. now its between kobe and lebron… whos better…. kobe better thou

Apr.20 at 3:32 am

IversonRox says:
No matter wat… THE NUGGETS WILL DEFEAT THE LAKERS while IVERSON score a CAREER HIGH!!

Apr.20 at 5:15 am

Hursty says:
your obviously an idiot.

Apr.20 at 9:38 am

Bubba Chuck says:
I like tha new guy

Apr.20 at 7:55 pm

kobe24bryant says:
Lakers won tonight

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