Los Angeles Lakers: 5 keys to beating the Denver Nuggets

In the Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers have a dangerous opponent in the Denver Nuggets. What are the keys to beating them?

Most expected the Western Conference Finals to feature the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, but the Denver Nuggets shocked the world. Having come back from a 3-1 series deficit TWICE this postseason and most recently in an upset over the Clippers, Denver almost feels like a team of destiny. If the Lakers can execute in a few key areas, however, a Finals appearance should be well within their grasp.

First, the team needs to continue to shoot the ball well from 3-point range. It hasn’t been a strength of the Lakers all season, but the Rockets series provided some encouraging signs. Additionally, while Anthony Davis’ recent mid-range efficiency is a positive development, he needs to ensure he doesn’t grow too reliant on these shots.

Denver’s pick-and-roll combination of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic is quite dangerous, and the Lakers will have to combat it with the appropriate defensive strategies. Playing versatile lineups with Anthony Davis at the five could be one answer, but how much will Frank Vogel deploy these units?

Regardless of who is on the floor, however, Los Angeles should be able to have success attacking the paint. Let’s dive further into the five keys to the Lakers’ success against Denver.