Denver dominated the boards with the size mismatch and built a lead that allowed them to stave off the comeback attempt. Going forward, Ham might need to go back to starting Jarred Vanderbilt to combat the Nuggets’ size, particularly with Nikola Jokic on the interior. That caused a problem from the jump as LA wasn’t able to rebound effectively on the defensive end, which helped the Nuggets build a stout early lead. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham elected to start a three-guard lineup to begin Game 1 with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Dennis Schroder on the floor together. Lakers small lineup to start Game 1 proved costly Lakers: 3 things to blame for Game 1 loss to the Nuggets 3. However, that shot alone was not what should be blamed for the Lakers losing Game 1 to the Nuggets. LeBron James had a chance to tie the game late but missed a 3-point attempt, one that was a questionable shot selection, especially early in the shot clock. It’s a credit to Los Angeles that they were able to start mounting a comeback late in the third quarter and even had a chance to win this game late, but some lackluster possessions in the clutch sealed their fate, putting them in a 1-0 hole in the quest to return to the NBA Finals. Struggles for the Lakers started immediately in the first quarter and that set the tone for the early parts of the game.

Though they clawed back, they ended up dropping the series opener to the Nuggets, 132-126. Instead, the team really didn’t play well in the first half, falling into a big early hole. The Los Angeles Lakers came into Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals hoping to steal a game in Denver. The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to the Nuggets and what to blame for the loss is pretty clear in the 1-0 hole.

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