McGee Key To Beating The Lakers

JaVale McGee hasn’t really been a disappointment for the Denver Nuggets, but he hasn’t had the impact that George Karl and the Nuggets have wanted from the 7-footer.

McGee, who was traded for Nene in March, has been relegated to reserve duties partly due to his foul trouble and is innate ability to make ill-advised mistakes.

However, there is no better time to start a new slate than Friday night’s game against Andrew Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bynum, who actually is only three months older than McGee, has become the focal point of the Lakers while Kobe Bryant, who is a game-time decision, battles an inflamed tendon.

Bynum is coming off of a game in which he scored 16 points and pulled down a career-best 30 rebounds and in the three games Bryant’s been out Bynum has averaged 19 points and 19.7 rebounds, which means the Nuggets’ big men will have their hands full.

Kosta Koufos will probably get the starting nod against Bynum, but it is McGee that has a chance to make the biggest impact. He is similar to Bynum in length and athleticism and has an ability to cause havoc for the Lakers big.

McGee doesn’t need to do more but play his game and play smart. It may sound like an Oxymoron, but if McGee avoids ticky-tack fouls, plays smart defense and runs the floor he should bother Bynum enough to give the Nuggets a chance.