ANAHEIM, Calif. — There sure were moments in Thursday’s Nuggets-Lakers game when George Karl could have used J.R. Smith. Denver wasn’t shooting well and had more turnovers at halftime than it averaged per game last season.
But in anticipation of Smith’s suspension for the first seven games of the regular season, Karl gave Smith the night off, in order to prepare himself from a coaching standpoint for what’s in store.
Denver lost 106-89, and the Lakers didn’t play big men Pau Gasol (hamstring) and Andrew Bynum (shoulder).
“I thought our defense was pretty first-class for most of the game,” Karl said. “And I thought our offense stunk.”
With Smith out, Karl started Joey Graham at shooting guard, and he wasn’t much of a factor (six points in 23 minutes). Arron Afflalo did score 10 points off the bench in 28 minutes but was 2-for-8 from the field.
As for Smith, Karl said, “He’ll play big minutes (tonight).”
Liking Lawson.
Denver rookie Ty Lawson, the little point guard, again made the most of his time on the court, scoring six points (on 3-for-4 shooting) in 16 minutes, tallying an assist and a steal too.
“He has an ability that we don’t have — he’s quick, you can’t keep him in front of you and he doesn’t ever lose control of his ability to find the play,” Karl said. “I’ve been amazed by his knack defensively — he gets his hands in on steals, he reads well and he’s a little tougher.”
Karl has said there have been “sleepless nights” as he anticipates which point guard will play more off the bench — Lawson or Anthony Carter. Carter, a veteran, will likely get more minutes in the first couple of months as Lawson learns the pro game. Karl said there probably won’t be situations where Carter (6-feet-2) and Lawson (5-11) are on the court together, but there are times where Lawson will play with Chauncey Billups (6-3).
Rematch rematch:
The Nuggets will play the Lakers again tonight, this time in a preseason finale in San Diego. Tipoff is 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
