Lakers in second-round NBA playoff series

[q1044861855]

Lakers in second-round NBA playoff series

Mavericks' ample height, depth and expertise stand in stark contrast to L.A.'s undersized, undermanned first-round opponent, New Orleans. Topping Lakers' to-do checklist: containing All-Star Dirk Nowitzki.
The Lakers will encounter a different set of hurdles when they encounter the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Conference playoffs. Al Thornton #12 Road red jersey


In contrast to the Lakers' first-round opponent, the undersized and undermanned New Orleans Hornets, the Mavericks bring what Los Angeles assistant coach Jim Cleamons called the "total package deal."

The Mavericks have an All-Star and onetime NBA most useful player in Dirk Nowitzki. They've one with the NBA's all-time greatest point guards in Jason Kidd. They've a tremendous sub in Jason Terry. They have size and depth.

And not to be forgotten ?a and maybe just as entertaining ?a Dallas has an proprietor in Mark Cuban who is more than prepared to trade zings with the Zingmaster, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson.

The Mavericks present a challenge the Lakers know will be a check, starting with Game 1 Monday evening at Staples Center.

"They've acquired plenty of personnel," said Cleamons, who will probably be accountable for placing collectively the Lakers' game plan for this best-of-seven series. "They are deep. It ought to be a really fascinating sequence. I don't think anybody will pick us to sweep them."

Kidd runs the show, but Nowitzki is Dallas' go-to man. He averaged 22 factors on 46.3% shooting in opposition to the Lakers in 3 regular-season games.

He averaged 27.three points per game in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers in Dallas' first-round playoff series.

"Nowitzki is a coach's nightmare to match up in opposition to," Cleamons said. "He's so versatile and this kind of an exquisite shooter. He keeps you off balance with his leap shot. Then he'll publish you up a little bit more and they operate almost everything through him."

At seven feet and with the shooting skills of a guard, Nowitzki poses a risk from almost anywhere, including three-point assortment.

Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will consider turns defending him.

"He's able to shoot the ball from anywhere around the court," Odom said. "He's among the best at posting up in the center with the court, which most gamers don't do. You see most gamers publish up around the block. Dirk loves the middle of the court. He is in a position to hit turnarounds and get to the basket."

Seeking to start powerful

The Lakers misplaced Game one against New Orleans at Staples Middle, therefore losing the home-court advantage.

They say that was a wake-up contact, something they've mentioned.

"We know how essential Game 1s are inside a series," Jackson stated following practice Sunday. "They truly set the tone."

The Lakers want to start this series the right way, which suggests beating the Mavericks in the initial game. Elton Brand #42 White jersey


"It's just important to always come out and play nicely within the playoffs regardless of what game it's," Odom said.