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Read MoreWhile the doubters and naysayers have declared the Los Angeles Lakers dead in the water after Game 2’s crushing loss, the reality is the Denver Nuggets are lucky to be up 2–0 and have just held serve on home court.
While last night’s discouraging loss to the Nuggets was the Lakers’ 10th straight in row, this was not only the closest game but also the first time the Lakers showcased their new 3-point prowess and almost won the game.
Headed back home to L.A., there’s no reason to believe the Lakers will be anything but greatly encouraged at how they shot the ball and competed last night. If anything, the Lakers cannot wait to play the Nuggets again.The Lakers and Nuggets first round playoff series now moves to Los Angeles for two critical games on Thursday and Saturday nights, which the Lakers desperately need to win to even up the series at 2 games each.
While many NBA observers have already written the Lakers off after having lost ten straight games to the Nuggets, the reality despite the record is that the two teams are fairly evenly matched when both are fully healthy.The Lakers’ problem is they’re missing two of their bigs in in 6′ 10″ forward Jarred Vanderbilt and 6′ 10″ forward Christian Wood. That’s left them with just three playable bigs: Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Jaxson Hayes.
The good news is there’s a realistic chance one of Vando or Wood may be healthy enough to play on Thursday. Having one or both of these players available the rest of this series and the rest of the playoffs could be critical.Last season’s conference finals sweep and L.A.’s current 10-game losing streak have totally distorted how evenly matched L.A. and Denver are. Let’s look at the bad news and good news that support L.A. winning the series.
The Bad News!
The Bad News is the Los Angeles Lakers lost their 10th straight game to the Denver Nuggets, blowing a 20-point lead and opportunity to steal home court advantage and set themselves up to win the series in L.A. in 6 games.
To say this was a crushing defeat is an understatement. After doing almost everything right to build a 15-point half-time lead and 20-point lead early in the 3rd quarter, the Lakers once again took their foot off the proverbial gas.
This time it was a 5-minute period in the third quarter that cut the lead in half and multiple stretches in the fourth quarter that eventually eliminated the rest of the Lakers’ lead and opened the door for the Nuggets win.Statistically, the game was a reversal of Game 1, where the Nuggets outshot the Lakers from three by 21 points. This time, the Lakers’ newfound prowess from deep prevailed and L.A. won the 3-point war by 15 points.
Unfortunately, the Nuggets won the free throw battle in Game 2 by 5 made free throws after losing it to L.A. by 12 made free throws in Game 1. Lakers average 25 free throws per game but shot just 13 free throws in Game 2.Once again, the Lakers’ lack of size due to the injuries to Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt was costly as L.A. lost both the points-in-the-paint and offensive and defensive rebounding battles to the bigger Nuggets.
Los Angeles likely blew their best opportunity to make this a series. While the Lakers next two games are at home, the harsh reality is that the Denver Nuggets currently have a 4-game winning streak at Crypto.com Arena.After losing their 10th straight game to Denver Nuggets, the odds of the Los Angeles Lakers turning things around and beating the world champions in four of the next five playoff games don’t even qualify as a puncher’s chance.
The Good News!
The good news is, though the path is challenging and the odds long, the Los Angeles Lakers still have a realistic opportunity not only to win this series but also to win the Western Conference and make it to the NBA Finals.
Due to their slow start, the Lakers have essentially been in various levels of playoff mode for over a month. They’ve survived by focusing on winning one game at a time and that’s what we should expect the next two games.
When you’ve lost 10 in a row to them, it’s hard to believe all the Nuggets did by winning those two games in Denver was hold home court but that’s the truth. If the Lakers can win their two at home, the series will be even.Despite losing both games, the Lakers shot better from the field (49.0% to 45.3%) and from deep (35.6% to 35.3%) than the Nuggets. Last year, Denver shot better from the field (49.3% to 47.6%) and from deep (40.3% to 34.9%).
Where the Lakers are getting killed in on the boards and in the paint but it looks like reinforcements may be on the way with both Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt hopefully available to play starting Thursday night.Right now, the Lakers can’t look any further ahead than the next game but if they can win Thursday and Saturday nights, the series will be tied 2–2 and the Lakers will be the team with the winning streak and momentum.
The addition of Wood and Vanderbilt should enable the Lakers to better match the Nuggets on the boards and in the paint and it’s highly unlikely the Nuggets will shoot more free throws than the Lakers going forward.The basketball gods giveth and taketh. Sometimes, what almost kills a team actually makes them better. The Lakers are angry and hungry and still have a viable path not only to winning this series but also winning #18.
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The Lakers’ problem is they’re missing two of their bigs in in 6′ 10″ forward Jarred Vanderbilt and 6′ 10″ forward Christian Wood. That’s left them with just three playable bigs: Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Jaxson Hayes.https://t.co/UrOzzXPZyO pic.twitter.com/Z3E1QU7fFu
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 24, 2024
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The Bad News!
The Bad News is the Los Angeles Lakers lost their 10th straight game to the Denver Nuggets, blowing a 20-point lead and opportunity to steal home court advantage and set themselves up to win the series in L.A. in 6 games.https://t.co/UrOzzXPZyO pic.twitter.com/AUf8cAPN0j
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 24, 2024
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After losing their 10th straight game to Denver Nuggets, the odds of the Los Angeles Lakers turning things around and beating the world champions in four of the next five playoff games don’t even qualify as a puncher’s chance.https://t.co/UrOzzXPZyO pic.twitter.com/L5rdOlTVtg
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 24, 2024
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The Good News!
The good news is, though the path is challenging and the odds long, the Los Angeles Lakers still have a realistic opportunity not only to win this series but also to win the Western Conference and make it to the NBA Finals.https://t.co/UrOzzXPZyO pic.twitter.com/A1bnnkg8kJ
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 24, 2024
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The basketball gods giveth and taketh. Sometimes, what almost kills a team actually makes them better. The Lakers are angry and hungry and still have a viable path not only to winning this series but also winning #18.https://t.co/UrOzzXPZyO pic.twitter.com/y1ZxghQGC7
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 24, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Jokic got whatever he wanted once he chose to take over.
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Murray’s overall night was in the shitter, we still lost.
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Russell, AD and LBJ can’t play much better. Didn’t matter.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Still, take it one game at a time. Win one against them and the pressure releases a little
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I am still upset about this loss.
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Here’s one thing that I’ve barely heard mentioned today. Lakers came outta halftime and D.Ham actually made a great adjustment by milking the LBJ/AD pick & roll and they were destroying the Nuggs with it. Then Malone counters with putting Gordon on AD instead of Joker. D.Ham had no answer, you barely heard from AD the rest game and that was the beginning of the downfall. Look for that matchup on Thurs.
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D'Angelo Russell sends Lakers fans important message after Game 2 heartbreak https://t.co/nbpApnR5Oe
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 23, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a gut-punching loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2. They were up 20 in the Mile High City only to watch their lead slowly slip away. Jamal Murray hit the game-winning shot over Anthony Davis and left Lakers Nation feeling heartbroken and dejected.
AD sounded off after the game as did other Lakers. They were upset about the officiating, coaching, and losing a tough game to fall behind 0-2 in the series. The Nuggets swept LA on their way to the 2023 championship and have won ten straight over the Lakers. Ham has been a problem, but LeBron James and company must win on Thursday to have any chance in this series.
Monday’s loss was the type that can break a team. The Lakers gave their best effort. LeBron was lights out down the stretch. Davis had 32 points and D’Angelo Russell got hot after a rough Game 1. It would be easy for LA to fold, but D-Lo is not letting that happen.
D’Angelo Russell urges fans not to give up with a positive message
Russell had just 13 points in Game 1 on six of 20 shooting from the field. He made just one of his nine 3-point attempts after struggling in the conference finals series against the Nuggets in 2023. D-Lo has been a key piece for the Lakers all season and head coach Darvin Ham had faith in him heading into Game 2.
Russell responded by hitting six threes, dropping six assists, and finishing with 23 points in 39 minutes of action. He was a crucial part of building the massive lead, and the Lakers outscored Denver by four with him on the floor.
After Monday’s loss, D-Lo made it clear that the LA was going to win this series on his podcast Discord. Fans should not give up. The Nuggets won two games in Denver. The Lakers still just need to steal one game in the Mile High City and take care of business in Los Angeles. Nothing will be easy against the defending champions, but the Lakers have the talent and produced plenty of positives in Game 2.
They need the fan’s help as the series shifts to Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. Expect a sellout crowd, but the Lakers need them cheering loud for the home team. LeBron James is still elite and Anthony Davis deserves All-NBA consideration. They can win two games in LA and shift the series back to Denver tied at two games apiece. The Lakers need D’Angelo Russell and others to step up too. It will take a total team effort to beat the Nuggets.
This series is far from over. The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need to snap their losing streak against the Nuggets and get on the board. One win could sway things, and the pressure will continue to mount on the defending champs. Can LA take advantage? D-Lo thinks they can. Stay tuned to find out if he is right.
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What’s becoming obvious to me is that what the Lakers need for this team to be championship quality is a starting center who can play alongside Anthony Davis in a two-bigs lineup. A player like Myles Turner, Naz Reid, Jonathan Isaac, or Lauri Markannen.
We also need an elite point-of-attack defensive guard whom we can pair with DLO in our starting backcourt. A guard like Jrue Holiday or Alex Caruso or Marcus Smart.
Forget chasing Trae Young or another $40M star who cannot defend and instead look to do exactly what the Boston Celtics did last summer, Find a modern two-way starting center and elite 3&D POA two-way starting shooting guard.
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Say LT, what would be the Minimum Salary a team would have to pay him if he just wanted to walk away and join another team?
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I think DLO has proven he’s worth >25M/year. He could be worth $30M for the right team in right situation. He’s an elite volume 3-point shooter and high quality playmaker. How he plays the rest of this series will be huge factor though. DLO needs to play big next 2 games.
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My bad, I meant LBJ. If he walks what would another team be required to pay him? I mean if says he will play for Warriors for free, I know he can’t do that, but could he take MLE or less if he wanted too?
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Like we are used to saying, “Must Win!”
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From DLO article:
The Los Angeles Lakers let a prime opportunity slip away in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. After accumulating a 20-point lead, the team fell apart in the second half and allowed the Nuggets to come back and tie the game.
As the clock expired, Jamal Murray hit the game-winning jumper to send the Lakers back to Los Angeles down 0-2. There are many reasons why the Lakers lost the game but controversial officiating didn’t help. In the fourth quarter, Michael Porter Jr. was called for a foul while D’Angelo Russell was going for a layup.
After review, the officials overturned the call and Denver got the ball. However, some believed that the officials made the wrong decision. LeBron James called out the officials while Russell took to X to express that he believed that he was fouled.
Russell was clearly struck in the head by Porter but it came after his shot went up. Clearly, they didn’t think it was enough to warrant a foul. Had that call gone the other way, the Lakers may have never been in a position where Murray could hit a game-winning shot.
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Lakers want it to be about this but it’s not. It just isn’t. The issue was taking their foot off the gas with a big lead late in the 4th. AD not being able to contain Jokic one-on-one. Rebounding…again…
It’s about the simple fact, and make no mistake it is a fact, that Denver believes they are, and probably is, better than us.
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The Lakers played 83 regular season games and averaged over 24 free throw attempts per game. Our of 83 games, there were only 4 games where they had 13 or fewer attempts. Last night was 5th.
The play I don’t understand at all is DLO’s shooting foul getting reversed when he obviously got hit in the head. That he had let go of the shot doesn’t matter and a hit in the face in not incidental.
And nobody can tell me LeBron gets fair refereeing. That silly foul on him late in the 4th was inept and unfair, especially considering every time he drives he gets clobbered w/o any whistle.
Just call the game fair and the same for all 10 players.
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Can’t blame a 20pt collapse on a call that happened in the damn 3rd quarter.
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There’s a good argument the refs failure to make calls was a contributing factor to the Lakers losing the game since the difference in the end was a bucket at the buzzer. This was the 5th lowest number of free throw attempts by the Lakers the entire season. In fact, Nuggets actually got more attempts than Lakers.
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We’re a veteran team and gotta know playoff basketball is a different beast from the regular season. The league actually acknowledged they instructed the refs to swallow their whistles DURING the season.. we thought it would change now? You have to make the adjustment. It was a huge disappointment to see our coach and 3 best players immediately bitching about the refs following that collapse.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Nikola Jokić drops 27 PTS, 20 REB, 10 AST as Denver COMES BACK FROM 20 DOWN to beat the Lakers 101-99 and take a 2-0 series lead! 🤯
Jamal Murray had 20 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK and the GAME-WINNER! pic.twitter.com/WoDibDrfWf
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 23, 2024
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Tough loss but Lakers cannot forget that all Denver really did was hold home court. Now Lakers need to do same in next 2 games and turn this into a legitimate series.
Great game by AD and DLO. Getting back Vando and Wood for Thursday c/b great news. We desperately need their size.
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Your starters… pic.twitter.com/mIANZizwL8
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) April 23, 2024
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AD – NJ
LBJ – AG
RH – MPJ
AR – JM
DLO – KCP
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LAKERS MUST BLOW OUT NUGGETS!
Only way the Lakers can truly exorcise themselves of their Denver Demons is by brutally blowing them out on their home court tonight.
From opening tip, every Lakers player on the court needs to be 100% in the moment and ready to make winning plays. pic.twitter.com/d9ajB16WHN
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
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Let’s see if the Lakers can even up the series tonight! They have to be better defensively and cut down the turnovers on offense – 5 Nuggets players can’t score in double figures like they did in game one. And I’m looking forward to DLo and Reaves having a better shooting night!…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 22, 2024
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Count me in the column for the Lakers to even up the series at one game each tonight and steal Game 2 from the Nuggets.
I'm looking for Russell, Reaves, and Hachimura to all have great games tonight to support LeBron and AD.
Lakers win tonight. Take series in 6 games. https://t.co/zPzymuRsSY
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
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Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
1) Be a multi-dimensional scoring team. 3 guys took 59 out of 79 shots for the Lakers. That’s a very one-dimensional offense for the playoffs and it won’t work against Denver. Maybe against other teams but not this one. Speaking of shots, the Nuggets out attempted us by a whopping +23 (102 -79). As we’ve all said and read turnovers and offensive rebounds were our Achilles Heel…again…last night.
2) Better staggering. Any 2 out of LBJ, AD, Reaves and DLo need to be on the floor at all times. We cannot win the just 1 superstar and 1 star role-player minutes without having 2 of that group out there. Figure it out, coach.
3) Box…out…Aaron…Gordon…for @#$%’s sake!!!! Dude had 6 offensive rebounds and led Denver in +/-. He kills us on the regs. Everyone focuses on how great Jokic and Murray are, and deservedly so, but the other real issue for us is keeping AG off the glass and neutralizing his impact.
4) Don’t force the 3 ball game. It’s not like Denver shot lights out from 3 because they didn’t need to. 15-42 (good for 35.7% is fine and all but we shot a far worse (8-29, bad for 27.6%) and the Nuggets outscored us by +10 PIP and and +7 fastbreak points. Can’t lose all these stat categories and expect to win. Make Denver, especially Jokic, play defense by attacking him from the perimeter. That’s not necessarily all on AD, either.
5) Get Rui involved in someway other than occasionally guarding Jokic. 2-4 in 31 minutes with 3 rebounds and an assist. Our 4th highest paid player needs to generate more, well, anything at all. The team needs to figure out a way for him to generate more offense and rebounding, some of that is on him and his effort/focus but some of that is on us choosing to attack the same way over and over and over again.
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Good fiver, Jamie. Lakers other starters need to step up. All three were outplayed by their Denver counterparts.
And we need to take and make more threes. It’s the key to creating more space for LeBron and AD to attack the paint. Way to crowded and too many people in the paint because we have zero threat from deep. That needs to change.
Can’t take 13 fewer threes than Denver takes and win game.
This is the modern NBA, Darvin. Don’t by Byron Scott.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Anthony Davis on the DPOTY award👇
(Via: @mcten) #LakeShow“‘I'll never get it,’ Davis told ESPN when asked about the award. "They're not giving it to me. The league doesn't like me. I'm the best defensive player in the league. I can switch 1 through 5. I can guard the… pic.twitter.com/7bNZSPFNP2
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) April 22, 2024
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Anthony Davis was not selected by voters as a top 3 finalist for DPOY.
Davis, without a defensive weakness, anchored offensively-focused LAL groups, and was elite both at the rim and on the perimeter. He averaged 12.6 boards (3rd) and 2.3 blocks (3rd). https://t.co/1NCylRpw5T
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 21, 2024
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132 NBA players voted on the best defender in the league via @TheAthletic
Isaac Okoro, Jalen Suggs, Jaylen Brown and OG Anunoby received more votes than AD
AD received the same number of votes as Pat Bev, Wesley Matthews & Andrew Nembhard pic.twitter.com/foX4nSeEL7
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) April 22, 2024
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Gonna ignore this too? https://t.co/VJBMCTeSVu pic.twitter.com/HoG1OhtBi8
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) April 22, 2024
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lol, it’s earned, not given and the only one of those 2 that you could have edged out was Bam.
Everyone needs to focus on one thing: the task at hand.
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Him complaining about an individual award while down 0-1 to a team that’s beaten you 9 straight is a perfect example of why he isn’t respected throughout the league.
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Nikola Jokic with Anthony Davis as the primary defender
3/8
7 points
0 assists
2 shots blockedAD did a damn good job matching the physicality + maintaining a good lower body base
Think Ham needs to lean into AD vs Joker 1v1 a bit more in game 2 pic.twitter.com/ZtIUFNCYDH
— LAbound (@LAbound2) April 21, 2024
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In contrast, Jokic was 8 of 9 against Rui last night.
Keep it simple. Mirror AD minutes against Jokic. -
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AD talking about “I’m willing to guard him more”…nobody wants to hear that wishy-washy bullsheeeiit!!!! “Give him to me..I’m gonna go out there & lock his azz UP!!!!” That’s the correct response. This is one of the reasons he gets disrespected around the league and why he’ll never be The Man.
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Also AD did not go at Jokic or any Nugget defender. He shot jumpers, often fading away or twisting to avoid contact.
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Read MoreAfter losing a 9th straight game and critical 3-point battle to the Denver Nuggets, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves suddenly find themselves facing their possible final series as members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Monday night’s critical Game 2 in Denver now looms as the last legitimate opportunity for Russell and Reaves to show Lakers’ ownership, front office, and coaching staff that they’re the backcourt of the future for this team.
After again being outscored from deep by the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the brink of falling behind 2–0 and potentially suffering their second straight humiliating playoff sweep.Unless Russell and Reaves can bounce back Monday and help the Lakers even their first round series with the Nuggets at 1 game each, it’s highly unlikely either player would still be wearing purple and gold next year.
That means Monday night’s Game 2 in Denver is a ‘must win’ game that will not only determine who likely wins this series but could also have major ramifications on what the Los Angeles Lakers decide to do this summer.Getting swept again by the Nuggets would likely result in the Lakers finally accepting they could not win a championship with a D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves backcourt and moving on from both players this summer.
Bouncing back with a big win to tie the series on Monday, however, could completely change the dynamic of the Lakers’ playoffs and set them up for what could be a dramatic 6-game first round triumph over the Nuggets.Let’s take a closer look at what happened last night and what the Lakers need to change in Game 2 on Monday to even up the series and get back on track to upsetting the world champion Nuggets in 6-game series.
What Lakers Hoped Would Happen in Game 1?
Since February 1, the Los Angeles Lakers have transformed their formula for winning games by shooting a dramatically higher percentage on 3-point shots, reducing their reliance on points in the paint and made free throws.
As you can see from the above chart, the Lakers’ formula from the start of the season to the end of January has essentially been the same as it has been since the Lakers signed LeBron James as a free agent 4 years ago.
The Lakers lose close to 10 points per game from their 3-point shooting differential but are able to make up most of that difference by outscoring opponents via made free throws and points in the point per game.Starting back in February, when Darvin Ham reinstated D’Angelo Russell as the team’s starting point guard, the Lakers’ 3-point shooting has taken off and L.A. has shot a torrid 39.3% from deep, second best in the league.
The result has been a Lakers team that went 23–10 (5th best in league) with an offensive rating of 118.4 (3rd best in the league), a defensive rating of 114.7 (21st in the league), and a net rating of 3.7 (12th in the league).The Lakers thought improved 3-point shooting would fix their problem with the Nuggets in last season’s conference finals where Denver outscored them on threes by 15 points per game in a series lost by 6 points per game.
Unfortunately, the Lakers laid an egg and shot a miserable 27.6% on just 29 attempts while the Nuggets shot 35.7% on 42 attempts, leading to a huge negative 21-point 3-point shooting differential in a game lost by 11 points.Lakers need to stay positive and understand this is a 7-game series and all the Nuggets did was hold home court in Game 1. Lakers improved 3-ball game is legitimate. All they need to do is to hit their shots Monday night.
What Has To Happen In Game 2 For Lakers To Win?
The Los Angeles Lakers must take and make more 3-point shots Monday night than they did last night if they want to have a realistic chance at surviving and winning this first round series against the Denver Nuggets.
The above chart shows the Lakers individual player 3-point stats since February 1st. L.A. has 3 starters shooting over 40% and 4 starters shooting better than the 36% league average. Only Anthony Davis is below 37%.
The Lakers backcourt of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are the team’s two highest volume 3-point shooters, averaging 8.6 and 5.5 attempted threes per game, followed by LeBron James 4.8 attempted threes per game.While James shot well from deep hitting 3 of 5, Russell was a dreadful 1 of 9, Reaves 2 of 6, Hachimura 2 of 4, Davis 0 of 4, and Prince 1 of 3. As a team, the Lakers only took 29 threes while making just 8 for a miserable 27.6%.
The poor 3-point shooting hurt the Lakers’ spacing and made it difficult for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to attack the paint, resulting in L.A. actually losing the points-in-the-paint battle by 10 points to the Nuggets.The Lakers will need to hit their 3-point shots Monday night if they hope to have a realistic chance to even the series at 1 game each. They don’t need to shoot 40% but they at least need to make enough threes to win the game.
Last night, the Lakers lost the game by 11 points. Had they shot 12 for 29 instead of 8 for 29, they would have won the game. The reality is the Lakers need to take and make more threes if they want to win on Monday night.The Lakers made the dramatic improvement in 3-point shooting they needed. Now they just need to go out there and shoot the ball the way they’ve done the last couple of months. Do that and they’ll beat Denver.
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Unless Russell and Reaves can bounce back Monday and help the Lakers even their first round series with the Nuggets at 1 game each, it’s highly unlikely either player would still be wearing purple and gold next year.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/T0685fIhf3
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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That means Monday night’s Game 2 in Denver is a ‘must win’ game that will not only determine who likely wins this series but could also have major ramifications on what the Los Angeles Lakers decide to do this summer. https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/IJTKwVcPcO
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Getting swept again by the Nuggets would likely result in the Lakers finally accepting they could not win a championship with a D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves backcourt and moving on from both players this summer.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/i7nvrlLoOQ
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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What Lakers Hoped Would Happen in Game 1?
Since Feb 1, the Lakers have transformed their formula for winning games by shooting a dramatically higher percentage on 3-point shots, reducing their reliance on points in the paint and made free throws. https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/7Wyj7dttke
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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As you can see from the above chart, the Lakers’ formula from the start of the season to the end of January has essentially been the same as it has been since the Lakers signed LeBron James as a free agent 4 years ago.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/QVRswiTBC8
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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The Lakers lose close to 10 points per game from their 3-point shooting differential but are able to make up most of that difference by outscoring opponents via made free throws and points in the point per game.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/bsmpijJOMV
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Starting back in February, when Darvin Ham reinstated D’Angelo Russell as the team’s starting point guard, the Lakers’ 3-point shooting has taken off and L.A. has shot a torrid 39.3% from deep, second best in the league.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/MhC8bcvaeG
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Lakers need to stay positive and understand this is a 7-game series and all the Nuggets did was hold home court in Game 1. Lakers improved 3-ball game is legitimate. All they need to do is to hit their shots Monday night.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/LjOF75wklu
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Guard play. It was always gonna be a problem for us. Starters can’t defend and the backups can’t score. D.Russell got lazy coming off those screens and let KCP catch fire as DEN went on that run. Not good.
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I am thinking dame, it could have been “DAME TIME!” We were pleased with what we had. : )
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Nope, it couldn’t have. They had neither the assets nor matching salaries to get Dame. Considering he’s a small, negative on defense, aging guard with over 200mm remaining on his contract, they’d have an even worse team. You’re still clueless on how all this contract & cap business works, so you should probably lay back and just marvel at Lebron’s hollow stats instead.
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May or may not, but DLO & LBJ could just walk away?
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With any luck. Ain’t going anywhere with them at this point. No sense spending 85mm+ on them next year.
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I doubt it. Reaves is cheap and impactful and LBJ has endorsed him publicly multiple times. Not sure how S&T’s work nowadays but my gut tells me a S&T with Cleveland for Donovan makes the most sense for all involved.
DLo and Spyda both opt out, Cavs re-up DM from a base of $40 mil with annual raises, Lakers re-up DL0 for $30 mil + raises and add in one of TP, Rui or Vando plu whatever it takes to get the deal done. Add a pick if needed.
This keeps both teams in contention, moves an oft-injured player for a more available but brings the better player here. Great trade? Not really, but better for both teams than watching talent walk for nothing.
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Man, this is great news, especially if we can steal Game 2 on Tuesday. We need Chris’ rebounding and scoring. Having him back for Game 3 could be huge.
Lakers need to stay positive. We didn’t shoot well from deep other than LeBron. DLO and Reaves need big games on Tuesday. Come back to LA tied and we can win in 6.
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Oh sh!t, totally forgot today is 4/20.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
2 Lakers to blame for Game 1 loss to Nuggets in NBA Playoffs https://t.co/Hp6P1laM8u
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
D’Angelo Russell continues his playoff struggles vs. the Nuggets
On a night where the Lakers could’ve benefitted from D’Angelo Russell stepping up and helping James and Davis will the team to a victory, he didn’t show up. Russell seemed flat the whole night, finishing the game with 13 points on 6/20 shooting and only one three-pointer in nine attempts in 41 minutes on the court. Compare that to his play-in tournament performance where he scored 21 points and dished out six assists while hitting five three-pointers in 37 minutes of play. Where was the D’Angelo Russell from New Orleans on Tuesday night? The Lakers really needed the Russell from April 16th, especially when the Nuggets dominated the game in the third quarter, extending their lead to 15 points in the fourth.
Darvin Ham must step his coaching prowess up
Darvin Ham is definitely not popular among Lakers fans. He routinely receives criticism for his questionable lineups, poor timeout management, and refusal to adapt to the opponent’s game plan. All his coaching flaws were evident tonight and on display for millions to see. After leading the Nuggets 33-25 entering the second quarter, Ham put out a lineup that featured Gabe Vincent, D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, and Jaxon Hayes. The lineup combination was odd and did nothing to pad their eight-point lead in the opening part of the quarter. Denver was uncharacteristically out of rhythm to start the period but the Lakers, due to Ham’s lineup mismanagement, weren’t able to capitalize.
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D’Angelo Russell says he’s ‘excited’ for Game 2 after shooting struggles in Game 1 vs. Nuggets https://t.co/4C2k3tq0od via @LakersSBN
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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I don’t blame that on Hayes. He actually looked decent out there. Dinwiddie and Vincent together just isn’t smart, they’ve barely played together and with TP as the 3 that lineup got murdered on the glass. Play Hayes with Russell and Reaves (of which one should always play).
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers News: D'Angelo Russell Redeemed Amidst Playoff Pressure https://t.co/O5xQXPT0AM
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 20, 2024
As the West’s juggernauts collide again in the NBA playoffs, D’Angelo Russell emerges as the Los Angeles Lakers’ beacon of redemption. The prior season’s dismissal from the Western Conference Finals was marred by Russell’s struggles, igniting speculation about his future in purple and gold. Yet, the point guard has silenced naysayers with a defiant return, bolstering his team’s ranks with a resolve hardened by criticism.
Derision and doubt became unlikely fuel for D’Angelo Russell’s resurgence. Rather than fleeing from faultfinding, he confronted it, “[embracing] it” wholeheartedly. His tenacity translated into on-court success, dispelling doubts about his fit with a storied franchise like the Lakers. As the playoffs unfurl, Russell confronts a familiar adversary in the Denver Nuggets—a chance to overwrite the narrative with a pen of performance.
Russell’s turnaround this season wasn’t rooted in technical overhaul but in mental liberation, telling The Los Angeles Times, “Obviously, I do more on the offensive end, but trying to stay valuable on the floor in the guts and crunch of the game. Trying to be on the floor because I can hold my own, for sure.”
He continued, “I try to think less, try to treat it like it’s the first game of the season, how it was a bunch of hype when we played Denver again. My approach was just care less, be free, be a butterfly out there, just float and I’ll find myself in a comfort zone that’s been working for me lately.”
The impending battles will test whether Russell’s post-defeat evolution has truly equipped him to thrive under the most unforgiving spotlight. His team’s faith and his future paycheck hang in the balance.
Can Russell shatter the remnants of past shortcomings to rise, phoenix-like, and lead the Lakers in their quest for supremacy? Only the relentless grind of playoff basketball will reveal the answer.
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Wonderful article by Jeremy Hanna. If DLO plays like he has the second half of this year, Lakers will defeat Nuggets. DLO’s 3-ball is one of the big keys to the series.
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Darvin Ham on tomorrow's Game 1 matchup and D'Angelo Russell's energy this time around. pic.twitter.com/bjhcS8MpOq
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 20, 2024
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Really sounds like Darvin may give DLO whatever rope he may need if he gets off to a slow start against the Nuggets. Bruce Brown was a tough defender for DLO to run into and he folded under the pressure. I think he’s ready to make that next leap these playoffs. Lakers cannot win #18 unless he does. Do that and he will re-sign LT to be a Laker.
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Lakers need to defend Jokic & Murray w/o doubling to win series. AD has to defend Joker 1-on-1 and LeBron needs to do same to Gordon and Rui to MJP.
Lakers must make Jokic & Murray work hard on defense and create foul trouble. Wearing them out is big part of how you defend them. https://t.co/9S7lvD0UD4
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 19, 2024
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The key to me for the Lakers to win is 3-point shooting. We lost that battle by 15 points per game in the conference finals, which were decided by 6 points per game.
Win the 3-point battle and we win the series. So play 1-on1, AD on Joker, LeBron on Gordon, multiple guys on Murray but eliminate drive and dish by not overhelping. Force Joker and Murray to become scorers rather than distributors.
Lakers can’t beat Nuggets by doubling Joker or Murray. That just leads to wide open threes. Instead, Play Jokic and Murray 1-on-1 w/AD & AR/ or DLO w/o doubling and force them to beat us. Then use AD and AD or DLO to attack them on the defensive end.
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