Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction – WCF Preview

When the 2009 NBA playoffs began, many fans were waiting for the first seed Los Angeles Lakers and the second seed Denver Nuggets to meet in the Western Conference Finals. That time has come. The Lakers beat the Rockets to advance, while the Nuggets beat the Mavs.

Who will win in this series between the Lakers and the Nuggets? Here are five reasons why I think the Lakers will beat the Nuggets in seven games:

1) Best Player in the Series
When predicting who will win a series in the NBA, a lot of the time the team with the best player in the series will come out on top. While Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups are great players, Kobe Bryant is easily the best player in the series.

2) Chauncey Billups’ Recent History
It’s undeniable that Billups is playing great basketball. However, if you have been following him in recent years, you’ll notice how he’s had trouble in the conference finals in the last three postseasons. Last year, Rajon Rondo ran circles around him. If he breaks down again, the Lakers will romp.

3) Lakers Have Homecourt Advantage
Both of these teams are very good at home. The Lakers used their homecourt advantage to dispose of the Rockets and they’ll likely need that advantage to take care of the Nuggets.

4) Lakers More Talented
Outside of Kobe, the Lakers have a lot of talent. Pau Gasol is an All-Star player. Andrew Bynum is one of the best young centers in the NBA. Lamar Odom is immensely talented. Trevor Ariza and Derek Fisher are above average role players.

5) Nuggets Lack of Chemistry
When push comes to shove, will the Nuggets have enough chemistry not to crack? I’m not sold on that fact. I think the Nuggets will begin to fracture once the pressure is dialed up a few notches.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (Image: Newscom)