Los Angeles Lakers-Orlando Magic NBA Finals Preview

Can we all just agree to toss the notion of the “fix” being on in the NBA Finals? Is there anybody who can really argue that we do not have the two best teams squaring off for all the marbles?
The Lakers look like they have emerged from their postseason haze. They closed the series with the Nuggets by playing their most focused basketball of the playoffs. The Magic have seemingly gained momentum and confidence from each series they have played. We know which Magic team is going to show up in Los Angeles tonight. Everybody is now wondering the same question: Which Lakers team will we see tonight?
Both of these teams cause match up problems for many teams but they might be the only teams in the league that have personnel that can provide legitimate answers to those problems.
Versatility is a strength of both teams—Pau Gasol causes problems for the Magic big men because he is able to do so much on the offensive end. Dwight Howard will encounter something new to him in these playoffs—Pau will challenge him on the offensive end. Pau has a wide range of post moves that Howard has not yet had to contend with. Pau’s ability to force Howard into some early fouls will be key. On the other hand, Turkoglu and Lewis will force the Laker big men to come out as far as the three point line which is something foreign to them.
The Lakers are going to use all the manpower they have to contend with Howard—expect to see DJ Mbenga get minutes and make use of his fouls. The Lakers will depend on the defensive energy of Odom, Ariza and Bryant to contain the swing men for the Magic.
This should be an all around entertaining series. I expect the experience a drive of the Lakers to help them take control of the series. Lakers in 6.

Lakers-Nuggets Game 5 Recap

The Lakers team that showed up last night provided a glimpse of the capabilities of this team. When the Lakers are clicking on all cylinders—they can be a formidable force. The problem has been their inconsistency not their ability. There has never been a question about whether the Lakers were talented enough to be a dominant team. The questions have arisen in response to the lackadaisical play that has been on display throughout these playoffs.
Last night, the Lakers got the contributions from Lamar Odom and the bench that had been lacking in the previous four games. Odom demonstrated why he is one of the most versatile players in the league. LO made his presence known with 19 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists. The Lakers offense flowed with such ease that the stagnant, “Kobe-centric” offense that was previously on display seemed even more maddening. The biggest play of the game came courtesy of a big defensive play from Gasol. After intercepting a Chauncey Billups pass, Gasol lead the break and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Shannon Brown who stuffed the ball in the face of Chris Andersen.
Conversely, the Nuggets did not play their style of basketball and this was the first game in which Denver got hit in the mouth and did not respond. The Nuggets had a stretch from the end of the third quarter to the 7:52 mark of the fourth quarter in which they went scoreless. The Nuggets showed none of the tenacity and braggadocio that had characterized them throughout the series to this point. The good news for the Nuggets is that this series is headed back to Denver—now we just have to wait and see which Lakers team joins them there.

Lakers-Nuggets Game 5 preview

When it comes down to it, the play of the bench will determine which team has the opportunity to take control of the series. Through the first three games of the series the Nuggets’ bench averaged 22 points per game. In Game 4 however, that same bench accounted for 42 points. Better bench play begets easier wins. Bench play has been an Achilles heel for the Lakers throughout the playoffs. Kobe and Gasol have been the only consistent producers on this team. Lamar Odom is still the key bench player. Once again Lamar had a horrible game going 1-8 from the field for 5 points in 30 minutes. The Lakers must have decent production from LO to have a chance at elevating to that next level and dispatching the Nuggets.
Pau Gasol has recently griped about his lack of touches in the paint. In Game 4 Pau took 11 shots. The Lakers need to get Pau more touches considering he has been the only consistent Lakers player not named Kobe Bryant. The Nuggets have been maximizing their match up advantages and it is time for the Lakers to exploit the advantages they have.