Western Conference Finals Preview: Nuggets vs. Lakers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to drive past Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to drive past Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)

Size can slow down Nuggets

Again, comparable to Denver, Los Angeles is one of the taller and longer teams in the league.

Obviously LeBron and AD are elite rebounders and interior defenders, but the Lakers carry more weapons in the post than just them. 7’0″ JaVale McGee and 6’10” Dwight Howard are both above-average shot-blockers, even in their mid 30s. McGee and Howard are both springy enough to alter a shot attempt, contest shots and force bad passes, which could certainly effect the Nuggets’ approach against them.

On the flip side, though mostly perceived as meme, Alex Caruso (1.2 steals per game this postseason) is arguably the Lakers best defensive guard. He’s quick and savvy with his hands, disrupting post-ups and cross-court passes. I wouldn’t be shocked if Caruso is tasked to take Jokic’s dribble away when posting up and even end up with the steal in some situations.