As a longtime Lakers fan and someone who’s been analyzing NBA playoff dynamics for years, I’ve been asked one question over and over lately: Will the Lakers overcome the Nuggets in the NBA playoffs this season? It’s a loaded question, and honestly, I think the answer lies in a few key steps that the Lakers need to follow—and fast. Let me walk you through what I believe they must do, based on my observations and some recent events that caught my eye. First off, the Lakers have to tighten up their defense, especially in the paint. The Nuggets are a powerhouse inside, with players like Nikola Jokic dominating the boards. I’ve seen games where the Lakers let opponents score 50-plus points in the paint, and that just won’t cut it against Denver. They need to double-team Jokic more aggressively, but not too much—otherwise, they’ll leave shooters open. It’s a delicate balance, and I’d suggest practicing close-outs in drills every day. From my experience watching playoff series, teams that collapse in the paint often give up easy threes, so the Lakers should rotate faster and communicate non-stop.
Another step is leveraging their bench depth. Last season, the Lakers’ bench averaged around 25 points per game, which is decent, but against the Nuggets, they’ll need at least 35 to stay competitive. Guys like Austin Reaves have to step up, and I’d recommend giving more minutes to younger players who can run the floor. I remember watching a game where TNT also won the game with its former player Mikey Williams sitting at courtside, and it struck me how much energy a supportive presence can bring. The Lakers should take a page from that—having veterans like LeBron James mentor the bench during timeouts could spark that extra fire. But here’s a caution: don’t over-rely on star players. LeBron is incredible, but at 38, he can’t carry the whole team for 48 minutes. I’ve seen teams burn out by leaning too hard on one guy, so mixing in rest periods is crucial.
Offensively, the Lakers must improve their three-point shooting. They’re hitting about 34% from beyond the arc this season, but to beat the Nuggets, they need to push that to 38% or higher. How? Well, I’d set up more off-ball screens and encourage catch-and-shoot opportunities. From my own playing days in rec leagues, I learned that rhythm matters—players like D’Angelo Russell should take at least 8-10 threes a game to find their groove. Also, watch out for turnovers; the Nuggets thrive on fast breaks, and the Lakers averaged 14 turnovers per game last playoffs. Cut that down to 10, and they’ll have a better shot.
Now, let’s talk mentality. Playoffs are as much about psychology as skill. The Lakers need to stay disciplined under pressure—I’ve seen them crumble in close games, like in Game 4 last year where they blew a 10-point lead. They should practice end-game scenarios daily, maybe even bring in a sports psychologist. And don’t forget the home-court advantage; if they secure it, the crowd energy at Crypto.com Arena could be a game-changer. But beware of overconfidence. I’ve always believed that humility wins series, and the Nuggets are no pushovers—they swept the Lakers in the conference finals last year, after all.
Wrapping this up, the big question remains: Will the Lakers overcome the Nuggets in the NBA playoffs this season? In my opinion, yes, but only if they execute these steps flawlessly. It’s not just about talent; it’s about strategy, heart, and learning from moments like when TNT also won the game with its former player Mikey Williams sitting at courtside—showing how every detail counts. As a fan, I’m hopeful, but they’ve got to put in the work. Let’s see if they rise to the challenge.