Game 1: 1:30 p.m. today at L.A.
No. 1 Lakers: 57-25, first in Pacific No. 4 Jazz: 54-28, first in Northwest Who guards Kobe?
This was the big question entering the Nuggets’ series with the Lakers. Denver put power forward Kenyon Martin on Kobe Bryant, and he did well at times, but Bryant still took over in numerous quarters. Utah might put lanky forward Andrei Kirilenko on Bryant, or could mix it up with gritty guard Ronnie Brewer, who is an NBA sophomore and just 23.
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In four games against the Lakers this season (three losses), Utah guard Deron Williams averaged just 6.5 assists per game, compared to his season average of 10.5.
Holding serve.
Utah was the toughest place to play this season. Opponents went 4-37, but one of the wins was by the Lakers.
The Post’s pick:
Lakers in six.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
