May 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) defends Denver Nuggets shooting guard Arron Afflalo (6) during game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

  In Sunday’s night cap the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. In game 3 Denver came out with the hot hand, jumping out to a 24 point lead at halftime, and went on to win 99-84. Andrew Bynum had troubles with the altitude in Denver during game number three, admitting that he wasn’t ready to play. Bynum told ESPN reporters yesterday “I took myself out [of it],” also adding “I was just not, I guess I don’t know, maybe just not ready to  play”. Nonetheless, Drew managed to collect 18 points and 12 rebounds in his last contest. After game 3 Bynum stated, “I was able to refocus to not let the first half bother me,” . Unfortunately, there are 2 halves in basketball and the Lakers definitely missed their big man in the first half of action.

Give credit to the Denver Nuggets though, they came out with energy and played very focused throughout. JaVale McGee and rookie Kenneth Faried played magnificent- both collecting their first ever playoff double-doubles. Faried scored 12 points and grabbed 15 rebounds (6 offensively) while JaVale McGee had 16 points and 15 rebounds off the Nuggets bench.  The achilles heel for the Lakers all season has been the bench play production, in game 3 the Lakers bench  only produced a measly 9 points.

Kobe Bryant shot terrible, going just 7-23 from the field and 3-10 from long range, Arron Afflalo played Bryant well throughout. Denver will not dwell on this win knowing that there is plenty of basketball to be played. Nuggets guard Ty Lawson also played a major part in the victory notching 24 points to go along with 7 assists.

With a chance to tie the series at 2 games apiece, expect the Pepsi Center to be rocking with plenty of energy. In the same breath, DON’T expect either Bynum or Bryant to come out as they did in game 3. This will be a boxing match and both teams will throw blows, expect the game  to be very physical. So with that being said… LET THE DRAMA CONTINUE!!!

Feb 27, 2011; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) takes a shot while being defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden (13) during the second half at the Oklahoma City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Los Angeles Lakers have a Sunday showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder  on ABC.  This game is a extremely important game for both ball clubs with the playoffs approaching in a matter of weeks. Los Angeles is coming off of an 121-97 thrashing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center a few nights back. It marked the first game back for Kobe Bryant, in which he scored 18 points on 7-12 shooting from the field. Thus far this season the Lakers like countless teams in the NBA have yet to defeat the Thunder (0-3). Destiny lies in the hands of the Lakers for the time being, a loss can change everything in this berserk playoff picture. The Los Angeles Clippers are only a half game behind the Lakers in the standings, no questions to who they’re pulling for Sunday. This game is also major for Oklahoma City, who are just a single game behind the San Antonio Spurs for best record in the west. A playoff atmosphere should be expected in Sunday’s game at the Staples Center, emotions will be running high, and the stars will be out.

During this game remember that the playoff race isn’t the only race to inspect. The NBA scoring title is at stake as well, Kobe Bryant leads the league in scoring (27.89 ppg), Durant is right behind him (27.79 ppg). In an ESPN interview Bryant downplayed the significance of the scoring title that will add to his smorgasbord of accolades. Kobe stated “(It’s) not very important,” “San Antonio was playing me single coverage, if it was important I would have gone for 50″. The sad thing is I believe him, Kobe also said. “You guys know I can get it” (the scoring title) “I’m not really tripping about it”.  Sundays game will be a grueling fight to the finish for both teams as anticipated. Thunder guard Derek Fisher makes his second trip to the Staples Center this season, with a chance to take the wind out of this L.A. sail. After a un-watchable defensive outing against the San Antonio Spurs, let’s hope OKC doesn’t shoot 65% from the field. If so this could be a long Sunday afternoon for the Lakers. With a great storyline, two great teams, and two stars battling all that’s left to say is. LET THE DRAMA BEGIN!

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