Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers: AD hurt, LeBron James slows Denver! 4 Lessons!

By Ronald Agers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 24: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes down holding his ankle after taking a shot during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 24, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 24: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes down holding his ankle after taking a shot during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 24, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

Dwight Howard was killing Nikola Jokic early for the Los Angeles Lakers. Then he was not seen much in the second half!

Try to follow this one without losing your collective minds. Dwight Howard has had more storylines than the actual series itself.

  • In Game 1, Dwight Howard was living rent-free in Nikola Jokic’s head. With his aggressive and physical play, the Joker got into foul trouble and never got in a rhythm. He was one of the main reasons the Lakers ran Denver out of the gym.
  • By Game 3, Jokic had caught on to Howard’s antics and was exposing him. It got so bad, that he was almost kicked out of the game for language, throwing the ball in the air (That got him a technical foul!) and being baited into foul trouble.
  • Frank Vogel sat him down told him to knock it off and play basketball.

Couldn’t you just imagine how that meeting went?

Frank Vogel:

Dwight, I’m here to talk to you about your performance in the last two games. I’m getting complaints from the referees about your antics on the floor. Throwing the ball getting technical fouls and your language almost got you thrown out of the last game. KNOCK IT OFF! Play your role and leave the antics in the hotel room…

Dwight Howard:

Sorry coach…

Frank Vogel:

Just don’t let it happen again. You’re starting tonight!

Start cueing the Superman music! 

Dwight Howard started this game all over Jokic. He dominated him down low grabbing offensive rebound after another. He finished the first quarter with 8 points and 8 rebounds (4 offensive!). The Denver Nuggets had 5 as a team in the same span.

Then Dwight finished his half this way.

In the second half, Dwight Howard was barely seen. Howard finished his first start of the postseason for the Lakers (And in 5 years!), with a stat line of 12 points, 11 rebounds (6 offensive!), an assist and a steal.

Plus he stayed out of foul trouble. With 11 points and 10 rebounds in the first half, Howard should have gotten more minutes instead of Markieff Morris who fouled out in 17 minutes.

Dwight Howard is the secret weapon against Nikola Jokic for the Los Angeles Lakers. His physicality wears down the Joker when he plays like he has some sense.

The last lesson goes to the role players. Some played well and there’s Kyle Kuzma!

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