With the second half of the season ramped up, one of the hottest debates in the NBA is whether or not the LA Lakers are going to make it to the playoffs. After an abysmal start to the season which saw the firing of their head coach, the Lakers have played to a 28-30 record and currently hold the ninth spot in the Western Conference. They had a strong pace going until running into the Denver Nuggets on Monday and falling 119 to 108.
The Denver Nuggets used a team approach across the board to halt the Lakers three game winning streak and earn their 24th win at home. Wilson Chandler lead the way with 23 points on 10-18 shooting from the floor while Ty Lawson added in 22 points and 8 assists. Andre Iguodala ended the night with a double-double as he had 14 points and 12 assists on the evening. Kenneth Faried and Corey Brewer added to the Nuggets list of players in double digit points.
Future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with his third straight game of 29 or more points. He shot over 52 percent from the field for the third straight game while bringing in six rebounds and nine assists. Steve Nash gave the Lakers 16 points and 5 assists while Metta World Peace offered up 15 of his own. Dwight Howard had a solid night with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Antwan Jamison added in an additional 14 points off the bench in a losing effort.
The Nuggets got out to an early start and never looked back against the visiting Lakers who were playing their second straight home game in as many days. After getting out to a 35-29 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, Denver was up by 13 at the half. The Lakers were able to outscore the Nuggets for the second half but by that point they were already too far behind.
With this win the Nuggets improve to 36-22 while the Lakers drop to 28-30. Denver travels to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wed as the Lakers next game is on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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