On the morning of May 17, Beijing time, the Western Conference finals between the Lakers and Nuggets will kick off. The Los Angeles Times invited two scouts, an executive, and a coach to interpret the series, what do these professionals think of the series?
Scouting 1 perspective
Compared to the first two rounds against the Grizzlies and Warriors, I think playing the Nuggets has an advantage over the Lakers, who are bigger and older, and struggle a little against those dynamic and explosive guards. Playing the Nuggets, I think except for Jokic, the Lakers have a position advantage in other positions.
From the Nuggets' perspective, if Jokic chipped in 30 points, gave 8-10 assists, and grabbed 10-12 rebounds, he could affect the game from three important dimensions. If you can limit him to only one dimension to influence the game, your chance comes. Playing against the Suns, Jokic scored 53 points and lost, and from my perspective as a scout, I think the Lakers can allow Jokic to score 40-50 points because he gets tired, which also limits the Nuggets to other players.
The Nuggets have a power advantage, they look very confident, and there are many people to play against LeBron James. If the Lakers were to rely on Reeves and Walker, they might be in trouble. I think the Nuggets' depth can help them, they have a group of players who have been very consistent throughout the season.
Scouting 2 perspective
I think if Davis stays healthy, the Lakers will win seven. No one can stop Jokic, and Davis is probably the one who has the best chance to influence Jokic's play a little. If Davis can limit Jokic a little and force the Nuggets to rely on other players, then the Lakers' chance comes, Murray is good, but maybe not enough to lead the team to the Western Conference Finals.
Coach perspective
It feels like the Lakers have a bit of championship magic, and they always have someone who can step up and help them win. I want to see how the Lakers defend Jokic, Davis may be able to limit Jokic one-on-one, he is one of the few players who can do this, but Davis is responsible for assisting defense, can Vanderbilt play Jokic more?
Management perspective
Gordon can play against James, Pope can defend Reeves or Russell, Porter Jr.'s defense has improved, and they don't need to cover Porter Jr.'s defensive holes with as high intensity as in the past. However, the presence of Davis makes the Nuggets also face a choice, Davis plays center, will the Nuggets let Jokic go to defend Davis?
Davis didn't do well defended Jokic, defending 119 rounds in the regular season, Jokic shot 16-of-25 from the field and 15-of-18 from the three-point line, with only three turnovers. However, as long as Davis doesn't get into foul trouble, even if Jokic scores 40 points, as long as his assists are controlled. When Jokic scored 25 to 30 points and gave out 10-15 assists, they were in the form.