Lakers post-game analysis: OCT. 6th 2014

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets [Preseason]

After several weeks of anticipation the 2014-15 Lakers finally took the court against the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers starting line-up consisted of Steve Nash (PG), Kobe Bryant (SG), Wesley Johnson (SF), Carlos Boozer (PF), and Jordan Hill (C), and the Nuggets starting line-up had Ty Lawson (PG), Randy Foye (SG), Aaron Afflalo (SF), Kenneth Faried (PF), Timothy Mozgov (C).  

At tip-off the Lakers looked to feed Kobe the ball early, and in the first quarter Kobe shot 3-6 from the field. Steve Nash also had an impressive first quarter, looking healthy and sprite for a player entering his 19th season. Johnson played some solid defense, Hill imposed his presence with his tenacious rebounding and finally Boozer played some solid contributive minutes. Overall team defense looked strong, however there is still much improvement needed at the PG position, as Ty Lawson willingly got into the paint multiple trips down.

The second quarter consisted mainly of the second unit, with Jeremy Lin (PG), Jordan Clarkson (SG), Wayne Ellington (SF), Julius Randle (PF), and Robert Sacre (C). The second unit played well with they're up-tempo pace. Lin was effective at dishing out assists, Clarkson made a strong impression on the defensive side, Randle, although struggling at times, looked strong and essentially NBA ready and finally Ellington and Sacre played to their roles nicely. 

Overall the Lakers first preseason game was a close one, final box score of 95-98 going to the Lakers. The main highlights from the game was Kobe's performance, Lin's double-digit assists, Nash's impressive outing, and our rookies overall performances. In additional the improved defense, active hands, and strong hustle kept the Lakers on top.

Stay tuned next time for the Laker's next game.