The Los Angeles Lakers enter the second weekend of the 2011-2012 season with a 2-2 record without center Andrew Bynum. Here’s a look at the team’s keys to victory for this Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets:

Who will guard Ty Lawson?

Ty Lawson has been outstanding thus far for the Nuggets while averaging 22.3 points per game. The Lakers don’t have a lot of team speed to guard him on the outside, especially if Derek Fisher starts the game. However, the Lakers have proven to be much more physical this year than in the past, and I wouldn’t be surprised if head coach Mike Brown works to slow him down rather than stop him.

On Christmas Day, the Lakers did an outstanding job against the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose for most of the game, and I think they’ll try to use a similar game plan against Lawson. The team didn’t have the back court speed to keep up with Rose for all four quarters, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the Lakers adjusts to another point guard who can score.

How will Andrew Bynum perform in the middle?

Andrew Bynum returns to the Lakers lineup this weekend after serving a four-game suspension for his actions during the 2011 NBA playoffs. He’ll move back to center while Pau Gasol returns to his familiar forward role. The Nuggets’ Nene Hilario is a solid forward/center, but if Bynum is on his game, I don’t think Hilario can guard him. In fact, I don’t think anyone on the Nuggets can defend Bynum if he comes in with his “A” game. However, Bynum hasn’t played in over a week, and I’m not sure what kind of shape he’s going to come in with. Hopefully, he’s ready to go.

What will the Lakers get from the bench?

The Nuggets aren’t afraid to use a three-guard lineup, and since the Lakers lack speed, I think that’s the game plan Denver will use on Saturday. The Lakers will need to off-set if they wish to contain Aron Affalo, Andre Miller and Lawson, but their options are limited.

I love Derek Fisher, but he can’t keep up with these guys, and that means the Lakers will need to trust the bench a bit more. Steve Blake has already received solid minutes this season, but Matt Barnes still isn’t seeing much time on the floor. That should change this weekend, but we’ll find out how effective he is. Oh and don’t forget about Metta World Peace. He’s quietly having a solid season in reserve, but I’m not sure how Brown will use him against a three-guard package.

Derek Ciapala has been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers since childhood. His favorite Lakers’ moment is when they beat the Detroit Pistons 108-105 in Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals. You can follow him on Twitter @dciapala.

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