DENVER (AP) Speedy point guard Ty Lawson believes more running and better rebounding will get the Denver Nuggets back into their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers.

And coach George Karl thinks it boils down to controlling the paint, preventing Lakers center Andrew Bynum from dominating down low.

Or the trick to turning this series around could be something as simple as this: Playing with a lead for once.

See, the Nuggets haven’t even led for so much as one trip down the floor in falling into a 2-0 hole against the Lakers. That’s why the Nuggets are hoping for a fast start in Game 3 on Friday night at Pepsi Center.

They hope to jump out on top and get the boisterous crowd into the action early.

Maybe that will provide a spark.

”We definitely have to have a good start, especially at home and especially against them,” Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari said.

Denver was blown out in Game 1 as Bynum posted a triple-double with 10 points, 10 blocks and 13 rebounds in a 103-88 rout.

But there was a point in Game 2 when Denver had the Lakers a little nervous. Trailing by as many as 19 in the third quarter, the Nuggets stormed back to make it a game, only to fade at the finish and fall 104-100.

They’re trying to use that furious comeback as motivation for Game 3. It’s given them confidence in a series where Kobe Bryant and Bynum have been so difficult to defend.

”In the second half, looked like we played with a lot of heart,” Lawson said. ”Played our game for the first time in the series. If we get that into the game on Friday, then I think we have a good chance of winning.”

The Nuggets’ brand of basketball is predicated on speeding up the court. That’s not usually a solid recipe for the postseason, when teams tend to run more of a half-court system.

But they’ll keep pushing the pace and trying to wear down a Lakers team that doesn’t easily exhaust.

”When we do get the ball, just run them, because they’re not that fast,” Lawson said.

Lawson has hardly turned in the type of postseason he would’ve envisioned. He struggled in the opener – finishing with as many assists (2) as turnovers – before finding his rhythm in the second game with a team-high 25 points.

He insisted he needs to attack more against the Lakers, taking the action right to the big men.

Oh, and help out on the glass when he can.

”That’s the big thing,” Lawson said. ”That’s the No. 1 key we need to do – get Bynum off the boards. From us guards, if there’s nobody around us, go hit a big. Go get in Bynum’s body, bump him, make sure he doesn’t get a rebound.”

Easier said than done.

So far, Bynum is having a fantastic series. Bryant, too – but that’s to be expected.

Bryant put up a stellar performance in Game 2, scoring 38 points on a rather efficient 15-of-29 shooting.

”He’s one of the best,” Gallinari said. ”When he has those kinds of games, there’s not a lot to things you can do.”

Especially when he’s this well rested. Bryant missed eight of the last 10 regular-season games and now he looks almost fresher on the floor.

”I thought the break was good for him, because I had been playing him a lot of minutes, too, probably more than you want,” Lakers coach Mike Brown said. ”When you have the luxury of a guy like Kobe, you might ask him to do a bit more than you’d like, so it was good for him to sit out a few games and get his body back to where it was. It was a good thing for him.”

The player flying under the radar is Pau Gasol, a versatile center who has Karl quite concerned. Gasol has been doing a little bit of everything for the Lakers.

”The numbers say Bynum and Kobe are killing us. I might vote for saying, get Gasol off the court,” Karl said, grinning. ”His decisions and feel for the game are contagious.”

Bryant couldn’t agree more.

”Pau has always been willing to do anything for victory for us,” Bryant said. ”We’re fortunate to have him here, because he’s a rare breed, a guy who doesn’t really demand the ball all the time. So it allows me and Andrew to do what we do, and he’s still able to be very effective in what he does anyway. He has a huge impact on the team.”

With his team against the wall, Karl was asked if he thought they could climb their way back into the series.

”If you followed us all year long, every time everybody thought the worst was going to happen, it never happened,” Karl said. ”Yeah, I believe in them and I trust in them. We’re not this consistent, perfect team. We have to do some things to make our motor go, but when it goes, it’s pretty good. I think it’s going to go on Friday night.”

The Lakers are certainly preparing for just that.

”They’re great at home, so we’ve got to try to control the tempo for 48 minutes and not let them get up and down the court like they want to do,” Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions said. ”They’re definitely going to come out with a sense of urgency, because at this time of the year, it’s win or go home.”

—

AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

DENVER (AP) Speedy point guard Ty Lawson believes more running and better rebounding will get the Denver Nuggets back into their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers.

And coach George Karl thinks it boils down to controlling the paint, preventing Lakers center Andrew Bynum from dominating down low.

Or the trick to turning this series around could be something as simple as this: Playing with a lead for once.

See, the Nuggets haven’t even led for so much as one trip down the floor in falling into a 2-0 hole against the Lakers. That’s why the Nuggets are hoping for a fast start in Game 3 on Friday night at Pepsi Center.

They hope to jump out on top and get the boisterous crowd into the action early.

Maybe that will provide a spark.

”We definitely have to have a good start, especially at home and especially against them,” Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari said.

Denver was blown out in Game 1 as Bynum posted a triple-double with 10 points, 10 blocks and 13 rebounds in a 103-88 rout.

But there was a point in Game 2 when Denver had the Lakers a little nervous. Trailing by as many as 19 in the third quarter, the Nuggets stormed back to make it a game, only to fade at the finish and fall 104-100.

They’re trying to use that furious comeback as motivation for Game 3. It’s given them confidence in a series where Kobe Bryant and Bynum have been so difficult to defend.

”In the second half, looked like we played with a lot of heart,” Lawson said. ”Played our game for the first time in the series. If we get that into the game on Friday, then I think we have a good chance of winning.”

The Nuggets’ brand of basketball is predicated on speeding up the court. That’s not usually a solid recipe for the postseason, when teams tend to run more of a half-court system.

But they’ll keep pushing the pace and trying to wear down a Lakers team that doesn’t easily exhaust.

”When we do get the ball, just run them, because they’re not that fast,” Lawson said.

Lawson has hardly turned in the type of postseason he would’ve envisioned. He struggled in the opener – finishing with as many assists (2) as turnovers – before finding his rhythm in the second game with a team-high 25 points.

He insisted he needs to attack more against the Lakers, taking the action right to the big men.

Oh, and help out on the glass when he can.

”That’s the big thing,” Lawson said. ”That’s the No. 1 key we need to do – get Bynum off the boards. From us guards, if there’s nobody around us, go hit a big. Go get in Bynum’s body, bump him, make sure he doesn’t get a rebound.”

Easier said than done.

So far, Bynum is having a fantastic series. Bryant, too – but that’s to be expected.

Bryant put up a stellar performance in Game 2, scoring 38 points on a rather efficient 15-of-29 shooting.

”He’s one of the best,” Gallinari said. ”When he has those kinds of games, there’s not a lot to things you can do.”

Especially when he’s this well rested. Bryant missed eight of the last 10 regular-season games and now he looks almost fresher on the floor.

”I thought the break was good for him, because I had been playing him a lot of minutes, too, probably more than you want,” Lakers coach Mike Brown said. ”When you have the luxury of a guy like Kobe, you might ask him to do a bit more than you’d like, so it was good for him to sit out a few games and get his body back to where it was. It was a good thing for him.”

The player flying under the radar is Pau Gasol, a versatile center who has Karl quite concerned. Gasol has been doing a little bit of everything for the Lakers.

”The numbers say Bynum and Kobe are killing us. I might vote for saying, get Gasol off the court,” Karl said, grinning. ”His decisions and feel for the game are contagious.”

Bryant couldn’t agree more.

”Pau has always been willing to do anything for victory for us,” Bryant said. ”We’re fortunate to have him here, because he’s a rare breed, a guy who doesn’t really demand the ball all the time. So it allows me and Andrew to do what we do, and he’s still able to be very effective in what he does anyway. He has a huge impact on the team.”

With his team against the wall, Karl was asked if he thought they could climb their way back into the series.

”If you followed us all year long, every time everybody thought the worst was going to happen, it never happened,” Karl said. ”Yeah, I believe in them and I trust in them. We’re not this consistent, perfect team. We have to do some things to make our motor go, but when it goes, it’s pretty good. I think it’s going to go on Friday night.”

The Lakers are certainly preparing for just that.

”They’re great at home, so we’ve got to try to control the tempo for 48 minutes and not let them get up and down the court like they want to do,” Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions said. ”They’re definitely going to come out with a sense of urgency, because at this time of the year, it’s win or go home.”

—

AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

On Monday night, a short-handed Golden State Warriors squad lost big to a deep San Antonio Spurs team that won its 14 straight game over Golden State and moved into the No. 1 seed in the West. Despite high-scoring efforts by Nate Robinson (season-high 30 points) and Klay Thompson (29), the Warriors were no match for one of the best and older teams in the NBA.

Before embarking on their only back-to-back-to-back road trip of the season, the Warriors will aim to earn their first and only win of the season over the playoff-bound Los Angeles Lakers. With Kobe Bryant “most likely” out for Wednesday night’s ESPN-televised game with a left shin injury, the Warriors will still have to contend with the tall interior duo of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. In three games this season, Bynum has surprisingly struggled against the Warriors averaging only 6.7 points and 8.0 rebounds a game, while Gasol has relished against the Warriors averaging 20.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks a game.

Given all the team’s injuries, the Warriors may once again start four rookies against the Lakers. While Thompson has done great since the Monta Ellis deal and Mickell Gladness has been performing well since originally signing to a 10-day contract, Charles Jenkins has been inconsistent throughout the month and Jeremy Tyler has only shown some glimpses of great play.

The matchup:

The Golden State Warriors will take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena located in Oakland, CA on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. PT.

The standings:

Golden State enters the matchup having lost their last five games and with a 22-38 record. They are 12-18 on their home court and have won two of their last 10 games.

Los Angeles comes into the game having lost their last game and with a 39-23 record. They are 14-16 on the road and have won seven of their last 10 games.

Next three games on tap:

Following this game, the Warriors will visit the Dallas Mavericks on April 20, visit the Houston Rockets on April 21, and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 22.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will visit the San Antonio Spurs on April 20, host the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 22, and visit the Sacramento Kings on April 26.

The season series:

The season series currently stands at 3-0 in favor of the Lakers.

Where to watch and listen to the game:

The game can be watched live nationwide on NBA League Pass or ESPN.

In Golden State: CSN-BA+ & KNBR 1050 (radio)

In Los Angeles: KCAL-LAL & KSPN (radio)

Season statistic leaders:

Golden State: David Lee – 20.1 points per game, David Lee – 9.6 rebounds per game, Stephen Curry – 5.3 assists per game, Andris Biedrins – 1.0 blocks per game, Stephen Curry – 1.5 steals per game

Los Angeles: Kobe Bryant – 28.1 points per game, Andrew Bynum – 12.2 rebounds per game, Kobe Bryant – 4.6 assists per game, Andrew Bynum – 2.0 blocks per game, Kobe Bryant – 1.2 steals per game

Team injuries:

Golden State: Andris Biedrins (concussion), Andrew Bogut (fractured left ankle), Stephen Curry (ankle sprain), Richard Jefferson (swelling in right knee), David Lee (strained groin and stress reaction)

Los Angeles: Kobe Bryant (sore left shin), Christian Eyenga (toe), Jordan Hill (sprained right MCL)

Sources:

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors Game Info, NBA

LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Bryant ‘most likely’ out Wednesday night against Golden State, The Daily Breeze

Andrew Bynum Split Stats 2011, Yahoo! Sports

Pau Gasol Splits Stats 2011, Yahoo! Sports

More from this contributor:

Fan’s Preview: Do Short-Handed Warriors Have Chance Against Spurs?

Golden State Warriors Will Be Without David Lee Against Clippers: Fan’s Preview

Warriors Host Mavericks as Lamar Odom-to-Golden State Talks Begin: Fan’s Preview

LaMarcus Aldridge may be out against Golden State Warriors: Fan’s Preview

Fan’s Preview: Will the Golden State Warriors beat the Denver Nuggets in consecutive games?

Austin is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, lifelong basketball fan and Golden State Warriors supporter, and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow this contributor on Twitter @_austinchang.

The Los Angeles Lakers need Kobe Bryant. Without Bryant, the Lakers nearly threw the game away against the New Orleans Hornets, literally. With the Lakers leading 93-91, Metta World Peace inbounded a ball with just over one second remaining with an errant pass that almost got intercepted. The Lakers escaped with a win without Bryant and if it wasn’t clear watching the Lakers struggle against the Hornets without Bryant, it’s about to become painfully obvious as the Lakers face off with the San Antonio Spurs on April 11.

The Lakers will be without Bryant for the third straight game and are facing the Spurs for the first time this season. Oddly enough, the teams will fit all three of their season’s matchups between April 11 and April 20. The Spurs are coming off their first loss in 12 games and did so without Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. Gregg Popovich thought it would be important to rest his starters — even if it meant snapping their eleven game winning-streak.

I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t think a team as “old” as the Spurs would have an opportunity to compete with such a compressed schedule. However, the Spurs have proven a lot of doubters wrong and now the Lakers must face them, without their superstar. If the Lakers want to win without Bryant, they’re going to have to stay focused and make sure that they play tough around the rim.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol combined for just 37 shots and 43 points in the Lakers’ victory over the Hornets. The two are going to have to make sure that they are converting as many high-percentage shots as possible, as well as rebounding and defending effectively. Tim Duncan may be old, but he’s really having a nice season for the Spurs. It’s also going to take a really tight defensive effort from the Lakers’ guards Devin Ebanks and Ramon Sessions to guard Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. The Spurs’ guards are quick and inventive on offense, something that will need to be met head on by the Lakers.

The Lakers can only help their cause by trying to utilize their bench as effectively as possible. The team got more of an offensive boost from the bench against the Hornets, but it’s going to have to be just a tad-bit better when they face the Spurs.

It’s going to be a battle for the Lakers, but I don’t see them beating the Spurs without Kobe Bryant — especially since they barely got by the Hornets.

Prediction: Lakers 91 – Spurs 103
David is co-founder of wrapupp sports blog where fresh content is posted daily and present sports blogs and sports opinions – all with a West Coast bias. Growing up in the Bay Area, David is a huge supporter of all the local sports teams; the Giants, Athletics, Warriors, Sharks, 49ers, and Raiders. His one fault, admittedly, as many of his friends and family would say, is his love for the Los Angeles Lakers. Growing up, Magic Johnson was his favorite basketball player and he fell in love with the team. He chalks it up to, “Not knowing any better”. Now his love for sports has turned just as academic as it is intuitive and he follows most all sports all over the nation.

You can follow David on Twitter: @officialwrapupp

Sources:

NBA.com. Lakers vs. Spurs Preview. NBA 2012

More from David Mehrwein and the Yahoo! Contributor Network:

Barry Zito Throw First Shutout as a Giants: Fan Reaction

San Francisco Giants to Rely on Barry Zito to Play the Role of Stopper: Fan Preview

Best things about being a San Francisco Giants’ Fan: Fan Breakdown

Golden State Warriors’ Bench Could Feast Again Against Denver Nuggets: Fan Preview

Kobe Bryant is Still the Most Important Laker: Fan Reaction

Unfortunately for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the phrase, “No Kobe, no problem” doesn’t seem to apply to this group in 2012.

The Lakers’ scrappy 93-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets exposed many problem areas, namely that the team is not deep enough to lose its superstar, Kobe Bryant, for any sustained period of time. The fact that the team had to fight and claw against a team that has won just 15 games on the season should be evidence that an injury to one of its All-Stars would be catastrophic.

Bryant was out for the second straight night with a shin injury, and his team missed him a great deal as it had to overcome a seven-point fourth quarter deficit by way of a 15-2 run late in the game. Ramon Sessions continued to earn respect among his new teammates as he poured in 17 points and a team-high six assists, adding a clutch three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining in the game that would seal the win for the Lakers.

But in the world of lofty expectations befitting of Hollywood, even when the team wins, it often loses.

For example, the much-maligned bench, while depleted, managed just 19 points. This is just below its league-low average of 20.2. If there is one glaring weakness that will cost the Lakers dearly in the playoffs, it will be in this area. A game like this one is a good indicator of whether or not the team will be able to handle one of the league’s elite while missing a key player.

The solutions were there – hang on to Lamar Odom, who would have likely been much more effective remaining in Los Angeles than he was in Dallas, or sign Gilbert Arenas for next to nothing. What a debacle it would be if the Lakers were to meet the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs and have Arenas play any meaningful role against them.

Hindsight is 20-20, and a bad win is still a win.

But even Gasol is concerned about the final several games down the stretch, which include three critical matchups against the San Antonio Spurs. An issue with respect to talent can’t be fixed between now and then, so that means that the Lakers will have to do the little things better than anyone, including continue to be one of the top rebounding teams in the league (2nd with 45.9).

While Bryant should be back in the near future, he can’t return fast enough. Lakers fans saw just how ugly things could get in the last two games without him.

Michael C. Jones is a Yahoo! Featured Contributor in Sports and a southern California native, following all developments related to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Follow Michael on Twitter: @MikeJonesTweets

What an exciting day of NBA basketball. While there are plenty of great matchups set to take place, few can argue that the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors is not one that will have you glued to your seat.

Since acquiring PG Ramon Sessions from the Cleveland Cavaliers at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have returned as one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference. Sessions is averaging 14.3 points per game and 6.7 assists per game since joining the Lakers. By comparison, former Lakers‘ PG Derek Fisher averaged just 5.9 points per game and 3.3 assists per game.

Golden State will likely not see the benefits of shipping out Monta Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson this season, they did however take a piece of that trade in acquiring Richard Jefferson for Jackson. Jefferson has averaged 11.8 points per game since joining the team from the San Antonio Spurs.

While Golden State may be struggling this season, their future looks bright and should give the Lakers trouble in the future.

Another great matchup features the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia has maintained control of the surprisingly weak Atlantic Division this season but the Boston Celtics are making a late season push to change that. Cleveland is far from being considered a serious playoff contender this season but Kyrie Irving is one young rookie that can change that within the next few seasons. If Cleveland can surround this future superstar with the right supporting cast, Cleveland may return to basketball prominence once again.

Check with your service provider for channel listings in your area. With NBA League Pass, fans across the nation can catch every game and witness every play.

Note: All start times Eastern

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. (NBATV, FSO, CSN-P)

Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m. (SPSO, FSNWI)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m. (SSO-MEM, FSNN-MIN)

Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. (FSH, FSSW-DAL)

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m. (FSA, FSSW)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. (KGW, FSOK)

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors, 10:30 p.m. (NBATV, CSN-BA, KCAL-LAL)

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is a Cleveland based freelance sportswriter and Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.