Three keys for the Denver Nuggets to beat the Lakers

Force the Lakers to utilize its bench

Considering LeBron James’ injury hurts the Lakers in a multitude of ways, the team’s playmaking ability comes under fire at intense levels. Furthermore, Jeanie Buss’s favorite, Kyle Kuzma, reportedly listed as probable for Sunday’s rematch with the Denver Nuggets.

The starting lineup isn’t the titan of the Western Conference without James’ presence. Los Angeles has problems this season with scoring when Anthony Davis and James are on the bench. The enormous void James leaves affects the bench as well.

Once the starters go to the bench, the Lakers’ second-unit rotation must exponentially improve to keep LA in the game. Davis, prone to injury, can’t afford to overexert himself while James is out of action, thus making the bench’s efforts crucial to tonight’s game.

Rajon Rondo, the only legitimate playmaker on the Lakers’ bench, doesn’t necessarily improve offenses at the same level of his Boston Celtics years. If you aren’t sure, ask the 2014-2015 Dallas Mavericks.

With that said, after Rondo, the only other adequate creator off the bench is Bleacher Report and fan-favorite Alex Caruso. Once Davis inevitably sits, the Lakers chances dwindle. Unless the bench provides the cushion necessary, the all too familiar burden of carrying a heavy load falls on Davis.