3 adjustments the Lakers need to make for Game 2 against the Nuggets

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game four of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 16: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball against Dennis Schroder #17 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in game one of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on May 16, 2023 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. Fighting over screens

Throughout the game, the Lakers were outscored from beyond the arc 45-33 and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 47 percent on 3-pointers. In the third quarter, Dennis Schroder went under a screen where Jamal Murray drilled a 3-pointer without any defensive pressure. This was a pattern that was shown largely through the first three-quarters of the game.

B2B Mal threes to start the half 🎯 pic.twitter.com/tL01UxBCA1
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 17, 2023

At the start of the fourth quarter, Darvin Ham had his team start switching on screens or had his players fight over the top. This caused Denver to have their worst shooting quarter of the night and allowed the Lakers to get back into this ball game.

If the Lakers make this adjustment it will cause the Nuggets to attack Anthony Davis in the paint. The Lakers would see a big improvement in their paint defense and 3-point defense.

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