Los Angeles Lakers: Denver’s 4 adjustments for Game 2

Adjustment #1: start Bol Bol

Give Mister Ed credit for pointing out the obvious ahead of time: Denver has nobody who can stop Anthony Davis inside. In my pregame analysis, I thought Paul Millsap, one of the “other guys” I identified as key Denver contributors, would stand a chance against AD.

I was wrong. AD would either shoot over or blow by Millsap every single time. I was surprised Denver did not immediately send a second defender at AD.

The other options are hardly appealing. Nikola Jokic picked up three fouls in five minutes trying to guard him. Mason Plumlee, Denver’s overly enthusiastic backup center, would foul out so quickly that he ought to live-stream his minutes on Twitch.

Jerami Grant and Michael Porter Jr. are way too small and/or skinny.

So why not Bol Bol?

Bol Bol is 7’2” with a 7’9” wingspan. Denver picked him up in the second round because nobody thought he would ever be healthy enough to play. Maybe the prognosticators were right. Guys over seven feet tall rarely last in the NBA.

Bol Bol was worth the gamble late in the second round. I am flabbergasted as to why he is not in Denver’s rotation. He is the best choice to guard Anthony Davis.

Yes. I already know Bol is way too skinny to guard AD. As if Denver has a better choice. 37 points is 37 points. They have to try something different.

Bol Bol’s length would give AD some trouble elevating over him on his step backs. When AD inevitably overpowers him on his way to an earth-shattering jam, Bol has the length to at least contest the dunk or any of the Lakers’ lobs (again, nobody else on Denver stands a chance).

On offense, he and Jokic have some potential two-man chemistry. Bol Bol can provide a much-needed vertical threat and spacing for Jokic’s world class mastery from the high post.

Bol is also shooting over 44% from three-point range this season. All it takes is one Bol Bol three, then a Lakers big man is drawn away from the basket. I admit the sample size is small, but Bol Bol was always a good shooter even when he (briefly) played for the Oregon Ducks.

Starting Bol might be the unconventional sparkplug Denver needs. Because if they play conventionally, Denver will soon fly home as history-making, conquering heroes.

And then watch the NBA finals on TV.