The Lakers, after a surprisingly testy series that went the distance against Houston, now have a short turnaround, unlike their Jazz series, and face a hot and well-rested Denver Nugget team starting tonight in Los Angeles.
Two key figures in the conference finals are Kenyon Martin and Andrew Bynum.
Martin, sort of Denver’s version of Ron Artest, will have to bring his intimidating game of a strong interior defense to the fore. Bynum, the promising young center, is somewhat representative of the Lakers recent play – erratic. If he can produce at a consistently high level like he is capable and showed in Sunday’s clincher against Houston, Bynum will pose a lot of problems for Denver on both ends of the court.
The surge of Denver to a higher status has been led by the stellar play of Carmelo Anthony and the sturdy leadership of a man who has won it all- guard Chauncey Billups, but Kobe Bryant has also won it all and in the end it just might be the home court advantage that gives Los Angeles the edge.
Schedule-(All times Eastern)
Game 1: Denver at Los Angeles, Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2: Denver at Los Angeles, Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 3: Los Angeles at Denver, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 4: Los Angeles at Denver, Monday, May 25, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 5: Denver at Los Angeles, Wednesday, May 27, 9 p.m. ET, if necessary, ESPN
Game 6: Los Angeles at Denver, Friday, May 29, 9 p.m. ET, if necessary, ESPN
Game 7: Denver at Los Angeles, Sunday, May 31, 8:30 p.m. ET, if necessary, ABC
Season Records
Lakers: 65-17 (1st in Pacific Division)
Nuggets: 54-28 (1st in Northwest Division)
Season Series
Lakers won, 3-1
Nov. 1: Lakers 104, at Nuggets 97
Nov. 21: at Lakers 104, Nuggets 90
Feb. 27: at Nuggets 90, Lakers 79
April 9: at Lakers 116, Nuggets 102
Head to Head Playoff History
2008: Lakers won, 4-0 (First round)
1987: Lakers won, 4-1 (Western Conference finals)
1985: Lakers won, 4-1 (Western Conference finals)
1979: Lakers won, 2-1 (First round)
This will be no romp through the Staples Center. Denver is for real.
This is the year Denver overtakes Los Angeles and heads to the finals to face….Orlando!
Los Angeles has had their wake up call. no worries as they will rep the West in the Finals.
The Lakers have too many weapons and will prevail.
Denver has the confidence to overcome Los Angeles and it will be the Nuggets who rep the west.
lakers take game 1. close but no cigar for Denver. Nuggets did play well. But what was that stat? nearly 80% of those who win game 1 win the series?
Lakers got some calls in the stretch run there but Ariza’s steal was brilliant and clutch. Denver will be no pushover that is for sure.
Lakers are goin to have to bear down and focus if they want to get past Denver. The Nuggets almost pilfered home court advantage last night.
There is too much pressure on Kobe in crunch time. he forces bad shots when everyone stands around and just watches. They got lucky last night. Dont count on it again if they find themsleves in that situation.
Gasol is pretty consistent, but Bynum should be killin’ Nene et al
If Denver goes back 1-1 after tonight, Lakers have not done their job
Hey let’s give Denver some credit. They are a good team. It’s not all the Lakers doing here.
yes that is right. it is about time the media start giving Denver some credit. Coach Karl has got a really good team out there.
can the Lakers catch their second wind in mile high Denver?
Lakers back on track but Kobe is going to need some help
Denver is right in this thing. A few breaks,a few calls go their way and they could take this thing.
Lakers started the 4th Q tonight like they SHOULD be playing all along. Odom playing with aggression is a key catalyst.
okay back to Denver up 1 in best of 3.
Denver can easily win 2 straight and take the series