Guarding the Lakers
This postseason, the Lakers lead the league in assists and blocks, while being second in points scored.
Last series against the Rockets, Markieff Morris saw his minutes spike with LA going small to match Houston’s speed and style of play. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has already noted that they’ll likely play more of their typical lineups against Denver, however Morris’ 3-point shooting ability (40.0% in the playoffs) allows LA to space the floor to create driving opportunities for LeBron and company.
Jerami Grant and Gary Harris did a solid job of containing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, respectively, last series against the Clippers. However, against the Lakers, Denver is given the grueling task of stopping LeBron and AD, who are bigger, more explosive and more dangerous in the paint.
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Grant, who helped hold Kawhi to 14 points in Game 7, will most likely be assigned to guard LeBron. Though Jokic isn’t a proficient defender, he can hold his ground in keeping up with AD if The Brow is at center as the Joker has the size to defend him in the post. However, Jokic can’t be dragged out onto the perimeter during pick and roll situations.
Like the Nuggets, the Lakers love to run a two-man game between AD and LeBron. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert already proved how lethal a pick and roll offense can be when playing against Denver, especially with an athletic big man. Scary enough for the Nuggets, LA has multiple players who are dangerous lob threats and can finish inside the paint.
This makes it possible that Mason Plumlee sees an increase in his minutes or that Bol Bol gets some playing time this series.
Paul Millsap is going to have a crucial role in this series too. Millsap, who has had a roller coaster of a postseason, needs to continue to perform at the high level he was playing at during the tail end of the Western Conference semifinals.
However, at best, Millsap is just another big body who can keep up with the opposing forwards. It’s really all you can ask from the 14-year veteran, who has looked completely juiced at some points this offseason.