The Los Angeles Lakers faced a frustrating loss in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, blowing a 20-point lead and allowing the Nuggets to secure a victory. The game saw a significant shift in momentum as the Nuggets made defensive adjustments that threw the Lakers off their game.

Michael Malone’s decision to have Aaron Gordon guard Anthony Davis disrupted the Lakers’ offensive flow, particularly in the late-third and early-fourth quarter. The Nikola Jokic-Jamal Murray pick-and-roll proved to be a challenge for the Lakers, with the Nuggets capitalizing on defensive lapses to secure the win.

Following the game, Anthony Davis expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, hinting at organizational issues on both ends of the floor. While not directly criticizing the coaching staff, Davis’ comments raised eyebrows given the ongoing scrutiny surrounding coach Darvin Ham.

In response to Davis’ remarks, Darvin Ham defended the coaching staff, emphasizing the team’s commitment to organization and efficiency. Despite the setback in Game 2, the Lakers are hopeful that returning home for the next two games will provide a boost. The team has a strong home record and will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage to turn the series around.

Looking ahead to Game 3, the Lakers have an opportunity to even the series and regain momentum. However, the Nuggets have proven to be a formidable opponent, having defeated the Lakers multiple times in previous matchups. As the series unfolds, the Lakers will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and execute their game plan effectively to stay competitive.