Lakers vs. Nuggets preview
It's disappointing to say that the Los Angeles Lakers are the only remaining NBA without a win this season. A lot of this has to do with their inefficacy behind the arc and poor spacing within this roster. A win today is critical not only for this team but also to restore some faith in Lakers nation.
The good thing about today's matchup is the Lakers just played the Nuggets, so we should know what to expect as far as the game plan. Let's look at some key things that can contribute to our first win tonight vs. the Denver Nuggets.
LeBron James
This team starts with and ends with the energy that LeBron James brings, and recently, James hasn't seemed like himself.
One of the biggest problems for this squad is their three-point shooting, and James has contributed to this struggle by shooting 24.4 percent from behind the arc. I think part of the problem is James taking threes early into the shot clock, which usually leads to a long rebound and an easy scoring opportunity for the opposing team.
While I don't mind James taking a few threes here and there, I think his value lies in attacking the paint and putting pressure on the defense to stop him. Another thing that contributes to James taking a lot of threes is the lack of floor spacing. Teams know that the Lakers can't make shots, so they run a zone and leave the three open most of the time, basically daring the Lakers to shoot. James is also having a hard time with turnovers this season, averaging just over four a game.
For the Lakers to get their first win this season, James must be aggressive on the offensive end and be more mindful with the ball to reduce turnovers.
Anthony Davis
I still believe that Anthony Davis is the key to the Lakers winning this season, and in my opinion, he's started off very well so far this season, despite his three-point shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 24 points, 9.5 rebounds, and two assists, shooting 52 percent from the field.
Davis's biggest problem is staying aggressive in the second half. Too many times this season, we've seen Anthony Davis have an 18-point half only to come in the second half and score seven points. Davis must demand the ball and be aggressive on both ends of the floor for us to win games this season.
For this game versus the Nuggets, I'm looking for Davis to take command and ask for the ball. We know what Davis is capable of, being a decent three-point shooter, mid-range post scorer, great defender, and an avid rebounder. We need to see all those qualities versus the different Nuggets for the Lakers to get a win.
I also believe the Lakers must do a better job of making sure Davis touches the ball and shoots more than 20 shots a game. If Davis goes out and shoots at least 25 shots versus the Nuggets and scores at least 30 points, I think that will contribute to Los Angeles getting their first win of the season.
How Can We Win?
If the Lakers are to win this game, I think it starts with the two leaders of this team, James and Davis. Everybody else will have to fall in line and play their roles accordingly. This includes making open shots and, more specifically, making open threes. We know what to expect from this Nuggets team.
Denver will come out in their zone defense and force the Lakers to shoot. The Lakers must band together and fix their three-point percentage. As an NBA player, you should be able to knock down wide-open shots. Shooting 22 percent from three as a team in this league is unacceptable.
Going into this game, the way the Lakers win is by shooting 35 percent from three as a team. The Lakers also need to continue playing dominant defense as we have throughout the first five games of the season and having an aggressive James and Davis. Finally, Russell Westbrook must embrace his role as the sixth man on this squad.
If we follow all these things, I'm 100 percent confident that the Los Angeles Lakers will get their first win tonight and put us back on track toward the quest for 18.
