Magic Johnson sheds light on what the Lakers' X-factor should be in order to beat the Nuggets
After enduring a clean sweep in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and witnessing repeated disappointments on all monumental occasions this season at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, the LA Lakers organization and fans are eagerly anticipating a chance to finally avenge their past losses.
Now, with the stakes high for the Purple and Gold to seek vengeance, Magic Johnson highlighted the need for the Lakers' guards - D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent to outperform the Nuggets' guards if the Lakers are to achieve their goal.
Magic Johnson is spot-on with his analysis
As the three-time MVP aptly pointed out, Jamal Murray's dominance on the scoring end was one of the biggest reasons the Lakers got swept in the 2023 WC Finals. The 6'4" point guard single-handedly averaged a series-best 32.5 points across those four games. In contrast, five of the Lakers' guards who played in that series averaged a combined total of 39.4 points.
Similarly, in the regular-season series between the Nuggets and the Lakers, none of Darvin Ham's guards managed to make a significant impact on the court. Reaves averaged 16.0 points in three games, while Spencer Dinwiddie and Gabe Vincent averaged 3.0 and 6.0 points, respectively, in the one game they appeared in. Lastly, D'Angelo Russell averaged 14.0 points in the two games he played. On the other hand, Jamal Murray outplayed all of them with an average of 24.7 points after appearing in all three contests.
D'Angelo is aware of the need for him to step up
Russell has been virtually unstoppable this season since his name emerged as a potential trade candidate at the deadline. Having already shattered the franchise record for the most 3s made in a single season and shooting at his career-best rate of 41.5% from downtown, D'Lo understands the importance of finding his rhythm early in the playoff series against the Nuggets and playing with less pressure.
"My approach was just care less, be free, be a butterfly out there," D'Angelo said. "Just float, and I'll find myself in a comfort zone that's been working for me lately."
In the West this season, three teams gave immense trouble to the defending champions - OKC Thunder, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets. Impressively, each team won three of their four regular-season matchups against the Nuggets. What's notable is the shared approach among these teams, which could offer valuable insights for the Lakers seeking success against the Nuggets.
They all prioritized their big men to create their shots, made sure their guards put pressure on Denver's defense by attacking the rim and employed bigger defensive wings.
