After losing Game 1 by 29 points, the Los Angeles Lakers obviously need to make some changes in order to compete in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the Lakers are going to win Game 2 on Wednesday night, here are three changes they must make: 1. Force turnovers » The Thunder had the most turnovers in the league this season — averaging 16.3 per game. But on Monday, Oklahoma City had only four giveaways. The Lakers were last in the league in forcing turnovers, but their perimeter defense must put more pressure on the Thunder’s turnover-prone stars — Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
2. Take advantage down low » Despite an embarrassing Game 1 loss, Lakers center Andrew Bynum showed he can dominate the Thunder’s frontcourt. Bynum had 20 points and 14 rebounds in 31 minutes. Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins left Game 1 after aggravating his hip injury. If he’s limited, the Thunder will struggle to find an answer for Bynum and Pau Gasol.
3. Defend the pick-and-roll » Starting two 7-footers has its advantages, but opponents always try to exploit the Lakers’ bigs on the perimeter. On Monday, Durant, Westbrook and James Harden utilized the pick-and-roll to get into the lane at will. On top of Bynum and Gasol playing better in pick-and-roll defense, switching Kobe Bryant on to Westbrook may force the Thunder’s offense to be more perimeter-oriented.
– Jeffrey Tomik
