Lakers vs. Nuggets Series Preview

KEY MATCHUPS:

G Kobe Bryant should have his way with the Nuggets, whose best bet at defending the perennial All-Star falls in the hands of G-F J.R. Smith. Bryant's rare ability to make any shot he wishes combined with his experience gives the Lakers several advantages. ... As one of the top 1-2 punches in the league, Nuggets G Allen Iverson and F Carmelo Anthony will be counted on even more in the postseason. However, it's the defense of Iverson and Anthony that's going to be needed most for a team that has allowed 107.0 points per game - second most in the NBA. ... Reigning Defensive Player of the Year, C Marcus Camby, will draw the task of trying to slow Lakers C Pau Gasol, whose averaging 18.9 points and 8.4 rebounds this season. With Camby being an interior defender, Gasol should be able to knock down the mid-range jumper off the pick-and-roll with Bryant.

PIVOTAL PLAYERS:

Lakers F Lamar Odom could make or break this series. Playing some of his best basketball of the season, Odom's versatility will provide a major headache for foul-prone F Kenyon Martin. ... G Derek Fisher might draw the defensive assignment of covering Iverson, but it will be Fisher's shooting that will ease the scoring load off Bryant. ... Smith and F Linas Kleiza are the only real offensive threats off the bench for the Nuggets. The Lakers, on the other hand, can go as many as four deep - led by G Jordan Farmar.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

"If you're scared, get a dog. If you're scared, go to church. God gave those guys on that team talent and he gave it to us, too. Why put their talent above ours?" Iverson.

SEASON SERIES & HISTORY:

The Lakers swept the regular season three-games-to-none, winning by an average of 16.3 points. ... The Nuggets are just 2-8 in postseason games played in Los Angeles and winless in four playoff series against Los Angeles teams. ... The Lakers are 15-2 against the Nuggets at the Staples Center since it opened back in 1999.

PREDICTION:

Since the NBA went to its conference format in 1970, the Lakers have captured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982-90 and 2000 - winning seven titles in those seasons and nine since the beginning of the conference format. It could be more of the same for the Lakers and Bryant, who can actually smell the opportunity at getting back to the NBA Finals. His supporting cast is playing its best basketball at the right time. This series will come down to who plays better defense, and that's something Denver has yet to discover.

LAKERS IN FIVE.