Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons in a last second win over Nuggets

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers follows through on his game-winning three-pointer over Bol Bol #10 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers follows through on his game-winning three-pointer over Bol Bol #10 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Anthony Davis should have arrested for the assault he was putting on the Nuggets in the first half. The second half? Well…  

In the first half, Anthony Davis looked like he was on a mission to eliminate the Denver Nuggets franchise. In the first quarter alone, Davis had 12 points and 6 rebounds. He was active and dunking on everybody. Lake Show Life has made it clear that when this guy is aggressive and engaged, there is nobody on the planet that can stop this dude.

Perfect example here.

  • Anthony Davis is running back to stop a 2-on-1 fastbreak with Michael Porter and Paul Millsap. 
  • Paul Millsap tries a one-handed alley-oop (Sorry for going off track here but, what in the world was Millsap doing? Really?) to Porter. AD goes up video game style and snatches the pass and goes the other way.
  • Then watch how he hustles back down the floor to receive the pass from LeBron (Reward the big man for running the floor!) for a very difficult layup.  

When AD finished this play just before halftime, it seemed that it was going to be a night for AD and the Nuggets front line would have a long night.

Enjoy the moment because it seemed Davis disappeared again. Even though the stat line of 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks is impressive, let’s take a closer look.

  • Davis did not get a rebound after the first quarter.
  • Despite scoring 10 points in the second half, LeBron carried the offensive load in the second half. That should be reversed. 
  • Next week, AD has to dominate. The whole game, not just in certain moments or early in games. 

A major question starting next week will be if Anthony Davis has that killer mentality to destroy lesser players or teams that won’t double team him. If he is aggressive, the Lakers win. If he passive, the Lakers lose.

This analytical gauge is easy to read.