LAKERS vs NUGGETS (PRE-GAME REPORT)

Well what do you know? The Lakers are back at home to face the Denver Nuggets. Though not in the "Mile-High" city, ice runs through these Lakers' veins, as they get ready to serve that cold dish called "Revenge." Tonight they face the Nuggets in their 4th and final meeting of the season. And since that horrible road loss in Denver not too long ago. I know these Lakers are ready to play these guys. And if revenge wasn't bad enough for these Nuggs, they also have the privilege of welcoming Bynum back from his injury.

In the previous meeting between the two, the Nuggets took the win against the Lakers. And though neither team played anywhere near a good game, the Lakers were just a bit more off in their offense. Both teams shot horrible from 3, with the Nuggets shooting 14.3% from beyond the arc, while the Lakers shot 9.5%. They were also 29.8% from the entire field. Every Laker starter struggled while the bench did worse, only putting up a combined 7pts. You know what that mean't; Kobe to the rescue, but 31 attempts does not equal 31 baskets. He only hit 10 of them.

The Lakers always seem to do good in guarding Melo, but fail to hold off some of the others. J.R. Smith has been great comming off the bench and as of late, has been averaging 21ppg in his past five games. Chris Andersen isn't much of a scorer, but gives them great defensive energy off the bench. He grabs rebounds, and blocks shots, while still managing to keep a hand in your face. But the Glue and reason for their success has been Chauncy Billups. He can create for the team while also looking for shots of his own. But most of all he brings that defensive mindset to them.

Honestly, we don't have to change much on how we usually play them. If our offense clicks and we play some sort of defense, we should be alright. But one thing is definite; the bench needs to continue what they're doing. And if Bynum starts tonight, Odom will be that glue to hold the bench mob together.