|
LAKERS
Lakers advance if ... Derek Fisher can keep Tony Parker from getting into the lane and creating wide-open shots for Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kurt Thomas and Michael Finley. Ginobili shot only 31 percent against the Lakers this season. As a team, the Spurs shot 43 percent.
Time to Shine: Kobe Bryant. This year's MVP dominated on offense in the first two rounds against Denver and Utah. Now, his reputation as a one-on-one defender will get a severe test against Manu Ginobili and Michael Finley.
'X' Factor: Lamar Odom. The Lakers' No. 3 option on offense, Odom's athleticism and ability to handle the ball made him a hard-guard for the Jazz in the second round. Ditto for San Antonio, which will use Kurt Thomas, Robert Horry and Fabricio Oberto on him.
Key stat: Kobe Bryant, right, shot 96 free throws in six second-round games against Utah. He shot 20 in four games this season against the Spurs.
SAN ANTONIO
Spurs advance if ... They control the tempo. They must keep the Lakers out of the open court and make them work for their points. In San Antonio's two wins during the season, L.A. averaged only 91.5 points. In the Spurs' two losses, the Lakers averaged 104.5 points.
Time to Shine: Tim Duncan, bottom right. There were times in the opening rounds against Phoenix and New Orleans when Duncan looked his age. But
he has always played well against Pau Gasol, and the Lakers don't have anyone else big enough (or good enough) to challenge him.
'X' Factor: Bruce Bowen is known for his defense, but he averaged 12.3 points against the Lakers this season. Bowen made 12 of his 15 three-pointers as the Lakers played off of him while trying to help on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.
Key stat: The Spurs know how to win, as evidenced by their four NBA championships since 1999.
Season series: Tied, 2-2
Learn more about the Los Angeles Lakers Vs San Antonio Spurs match up.
|