No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Denver Nuggets

Points aplenty on tap in Nuggets-Lakers matchup

By Compiled by Loren Jorgensen, From Internet and wire service reports and Loren Jorgensen, Deseret News

Published: Saturday, April 19 2008 12:49 a.m. MDT

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol slams a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during play earlier this season. The big Spaniard was a key acquisition for L.A. this year.

Kevork Djansezian, Associated Press

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Summary

Last season: Lakers lost in first round of playoffs to the Suns; Nuggets lost to Spurs in the first round of the playoffs

Overview: This will, no doubt, be the highest scoring series, as both teams like to get out and run. The difference is that, with the exception of center Marcus Camby, the Nuggets don't play much defense. The Lakers, top to bottom, have the advantage on the defensive end. Defense is the reason the Lakers won a conference-best 57 games, seven more than the Nuggets.

Kobe Bryant, the likely MVP of the league this season, will get his points. He averaged 28.3 per game, after all. But even more importantly, Bryant will need to get his teammates involved. With or without injured big man Andrew Bynum, the Lakers are potent offensively with Pau Gasol (18.9 ppg) and Lamar Odom (14.2 ppg). Los Angeles also has a steadying influence in veteran point guard Derek Fisher (11.7 ppg). The Lakers' bench is also deep with Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic leading the way. L.A. coach Phil Jackson has always been blessed with great players, but you can't discount his ability to get the most out of his stars, hence his nine NBA title rings.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, have two of the top scorers in the league in combo guard Allen Iverson (26.4 ppg) and small forward Carmelo Anthony (25.7 ppg). Kenyon Martin (12.4 ppg) is an inside scoring threat, while J.R. Smith (12.3 ppg) gives the Nuggets some instant offense off the bench. Camby, meanwhile, is a beast on the boards (13.1 rpg) and one the of the best shot blockers in the Association. Denver coach George Karl has plenty of experience in NBA playoff situations, but hasn't had the success like Jackson's.

Golden State showed Dallas a year ago that a No. 8 seed is capable of upsetting a No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs. Denver is also the best No. 8 seed in the history of the NBA. No one doubts Denver can make this series interesting since they have two of the best scorers in the game today. Beating the Lakers in a best-of-7 format, however, is not very likely.

Prediction: Lakers in six.

Season series: Lakers won, 3-0