Rodgers Report: Nailing the Nets

-Travis Rodgers

Los Angeles Lakers (7-5)
vs.
New Jersey Nets (6-7)
in
Los Angeles

Keys to Success
1. Slow Jason Kidd
2. Slow Vince Carter
3. Slow Richard Jefferson

Slow Jason Kidd: There's no secret that Jason Kidd is ridiculously good offensively. He is averaging a double double and nearly a triple double. He is, however, shooting atrociously so LA has to send a combo of high energy defenders against him. Expect to see Fisher and Farmar for sure on him, but perhaps even Sasha Vujacic for stretches. Maybe even Kobe depending upon New Jersey's lineup. Kidd is most easily kept out of the game by not fouling, not giving him open threes, and by not allowing him to grab long boards. He will get his assists no matter what.

Slow Vince Carter Battling some injuries this season, Carter has yet to find his rhythm. At 25.4 points per game in his career against LA, VC can get hot on any given night. It is important for Kobe to play him well and not get into a pissing contest...again.

Slow Richard Jefferson: R-Jeff is scoring 25 per game and is knocking down his threes. He is a tough matchup for anyone on the Lakers defensively. The key is to attack him when he is on defense because he's far from a good defender. Make him drive, don't leave him alone for threes.

Prediction
Lakers 98
Nets 85

Satan wrote:This seems like it would have been a great game for Ariza to contribute if he had any practices with the team.

I agree...and do we have certain word that he won't play? He could certainly chase down one of those three big dogs for 15 minutes tonight and give the others a rest.