Los Angeles Lakers: 3 deciding factors vs. Denver Nuggets

3. Rely on the NBA’s Best One-Two Punch

James and Davis were both rightfully selected to the all-NBA first team. In the playoffs, they are collectively averaging 54 points, 21 rebounds and 13 assists. LeBron is shooting 55% from the field and 37% from deep.  AD’s percentages respectively are 59% and 39%.

From their first game together, they exhibited a complementary presence towards each other. Since then, they have not only maintained exemplary play but enhanced it by their joint experience.

Simply put, they present a nightmare match-up for any team.  Portland couldn’t limit them and neither could Houston. What can Denver do?

Against Davis, the Nuggets will use a tag-team approach defending him with 6-7 Millsap, 6-8 Jerami Grant, 7-0 Jokic and 6-10 Porter. None of them can stop the agile 7-foot AD.

The unenviable task of guarding James will probably fall on Gary Harris. He’s an excellent defender but at 6-4, 210, Harris will be overwhelmed physically by the 6-9, 250 LeBron. The Nuggets will also ask both Grant and 6-7 Torrey Craig to take their turns on LBJ. None will be able to effectively defend a fully engaged James.

Denver will undoubtedly resort to double-teaming which of course will leave other teammates wide open. Both stars are adept at finding the open man. And for the most part, the Los Angeles Lakers have shot well these playoffs.

As a team, their field goal percentage is excellent, just under 50% while their three-point accuracy is a respectable 36%. KCP is hitting 41% of his long-range bombs while Morris is at 40%, Green at 38.5% and Rondo, in his five games, has hit 44%.

Expect Davis and James to continue dominating their opponents this round.