Opinion
3 min read

Showdown at Crypto.com Arena: Los Angeles Lakers Versus Denver Nuggets

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to welcome the Denver Nuggets to the Crypto.com Arena, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying match-up. The Lakers, with their recent performances, have shown a mix of volatility and promise that could make this game a turning point in their season.


DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 14: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards on December 14, 2022 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last outing on December 14 against the Boston Celtics at home, the Lakers fell just short in overtime with a final score of 118-122. Despite the loss, they demonstrated resilience and offensive prowess by racking up an impressive 68 points in the paint and maintaining a field goal percentage of 47. This aggressive interior play is something they'll need to replicate against Denver.


The bench also showed up big time for LAL in that game, contributing 33 points. This depth will be crucial as they face off against a well-rounded Nuggets team. However, turnovers were an issue for LAL; cleaning up their ball handling will be essential if they want to control the pace against Denver.


DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 14, 2022 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back at another recent performance on December 11 versus Detroit Pistons away from home gives us more insight into LAL's potential. They secured a win with a scoreline of 124-117 showcasing not only scoring depth but also efficiency from beyond the arc hitting over 42 percent from three-point range. Their ability to spread out Detroit's defense with effective perimeter shooting was key in that victory.


However, it wasn't all smooth sailing leading up to this match-up; on December 10th against Philadelphia 76ers away from home, despite scoring an impressive number of fast-break points (32), LAL succumbed due to defensive lapses allowing too many points off turnovers (31) and losing out on efficiency where it mattered most.


The upcoming game presents both challenges and opportunities for LAL – while their offense has been clicking at times; consistency remains elusive. The key battle will likely be fought under the rim where both teams have shown proficiency but also vulnerability throughout this season.


With these insights into past performances and current form taken into account, fans should expect an intense battle between these two Western Conference contenders when they meet on December 17th at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. It’s going down late evening local time – tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST – so clear your schedules! For those who can't make it live can catch all action nationally on ESPN channel number 206 or locally via SportsNet LA channel number 691 or ALT channel number 681 depending upon your location.

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