NBA Playoffs 2012: LA Lakers' Takeaways from Game 5 Loss to Denver Nuggets

Pau Gasol Was a No-Show 

Pau Gasol has been nonexistent for almost the entire playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, posting sub-regular-season numbers each game. 

Yes, he hasn't received as many opportunities or easy looks as he usually does, but he hasn't been aggressive, either. The Spaniard has only gotten to the line nine times so far in the series and is shooting a mere 46.7 percent from the field. 

If the Lakers have any shot at closing out the Nuggets on Thursday, Gasol will have to be more assertive and efficient.

The Lakers Lack a Reliable, Three-Point Threat 

The Lakers are shooting a measly 28.6 percent from deep so far in the postseason. 

Last night, they went as far as to tempt Steve Blake, Ramon Sessions and Matt Barnes into perimeter shots. If Kobe hadn't hit four consecutive threes, the team would have finished 5-for-20 from beyond the arc. 

If the Lakers don't find or develop a three-point threat, opposing defenses will be more able to help on the twin towers and clog Kobe's and Sessions' driving lanes.

The Lakers Lack a Shut-Down, Perimeter Defender 

The Lakers showed once again that they have trouble stopping penetration and containing point guards—even the likes of a 36-year-old one. 

Andre Miller shredded L.A.'s defense. Blake, Sessions and every other Laker who tried their hand at the Nuggets' point guard were terribly ineffective. 

Miller, the Los Angeles native, went 8-for-11 from the field, 6-for-6 from the free-throw line and even drilled two threes. Whether it was in the post, off the dribble or behind the arc, Miller experienced a tremendous amount of success and little resistance. 

The former Verbum Dei High School product is averaging three more points and making nearly 3.5 percent more shots from the field than he did during the regular season. If you disregard his out-of-character (at least for this series) Game 2 performance, Miller is averaging 14 points from the field, shooting 51 percent from the field and hitting 84.6 percent of his free throws. 

If the Lakers can't stop an aging, one-dimensional point guard, it's unlikely they will be able to thwart the production of Russell Westbrook or Tony Parker. 

Bynum Needs More Touches 

Bynum needs more touches for a multitude of reasons. 

First and foremost, he shoots a high percentage from the post and paint area. HoopData.com reports that during the regular season, Bynum made more than 73 percent of his shots around the rim. So far during this series with Denver, he's shooting more than 60 percent from the field and nearly 77 percent from the charity stripe, yet he only got eight shots from the field in Game 5. 

Secondly, Bynum receiving the ball in the low post opens the floor for the rest of the team. When he isn't scoring in the post, he's drawing the attention of the rest of the opposition in the form of help-side defense or a double-team. This creates opportunities for cutters and open jump shots. 

Thirdly, and arguably just as important as the first point, Bynum getting touches keeps him happy.

It's sad to say that a seven-year veteran and All-Star center still acts like a child when he doesn't get his way, but unfortunately, that's just the way it is. JaVale McGee's success last night is a prime example of what happens when Bynum isn't fully engaged. McGee's dunks and dominant rebounding were partly due to Bynum's dissatisfaction with the Lakers' game plan and his ensuing lack of energy.  

In order for the Lakers to reach their full potential—and the Finals—they'll need to appease Bynum.

The Black Mamba Couldn't Finish the Job

I have mixed feelings about Kobe's performance in Game 5. 

Yes, his fourth quarter onslaught with less than five minutes left was astounding. His four three-pointers, two rebounds and one assist brought the Lakers from 13 down to within two.

But with less than 40 seconds left in the game, Kobe failed to finish what he had started. He went on to miss not one, not two, but three game-tying attempts. 

There is no doubting that without Kobe's heroics the Lakers would not have even been in the game, but you can't help but notice his inability to make the most important shot of them all. 

I'm curious to see what kind of impact Kobe's outburst will have on the Lakers in Game 6. Will he come out firing given his scoring outburst, or will he start with a "pass-first" mindset aimed at getting everyone else involved?