I'll be breaking down difference between this year team and last year team verses the Lakers. And why the 2009 Denver squad will give the Lakers all they can handle, if not just beat them.
2008 Starter vs Lakers
Kenyon Martin-Kenyon was their best defender last year but was still recovering for microfracture surgery. He average just over 20 minutes that season, and was not playing 100% healthy verses Kobe.
Carmelo Anthony-Decent scorer, did not provide clutch shots when it matter. Made alot of poor shot selections and couldn't defend for sh1t.
AC Carter-He was too undersize to be a starter, and Derek Fisher and Kobe had a field day.
Marcus Camby-The team best rebounder and shot blocker. Despite being a prowliest on the Defensive, he was a non factor offensively around the paint.
Allen Iverson -Excellent scorer, but was a ball hogger, and poor ball distrubitor. His plays on offense made the Defense a liability in transition, because of his bad shots. He did not provide any leadership or made the clutch shots when really needed for a person of his talent.
The Bench
Hilario Nene-Nene played very limited minutes while still recovering from testicular cancer. He could not help the team.
Eduardo Najera-The most consistent player on this team. Knows his role by playing physical and provide an energetic spark needed from the bench.
JR Smith-Could score when he wanted to, but was very undiscipline due to poor point guard play on the team.
Linas Klieza-Did his role as a bench player, but didn't provide much spark offensively.
2009 Starter vs Lakers
Chauncey Billups-Provide excellent from the point guard, controls tempo in the game, Provides uncanny Leadership with his proven experience and clutch shots. The missing piece Denver has been missing for years, a guy that is a excellent 3 point shooter.
Carmelo Anthony-Much more polish now that he knows what it takes to get past the 1st and 2nd round in the playoffs by playing better defense. Is finally providing the Clutch shots when it matters.
Kenyon Martin-Is the team best rebounder and Defender. He's 100% healthy and playing like his New Jersey days as one of the top 10 defender in the league.
Hilario Nene-Now fully healthy, should be a huge contributor around the paint offensively. His physical plays will be the deference in Denver winning this series.
Dahntay Jones-At 6'6 he has the size and atlethicism to take on the role of Shane Battier his former Duke teammate against Kobe. He knows his role, and that's to just play Defense.
The Bench
The Birdman-Provides instant spark and energy boost as soon as he steps on the floor. He plays a crucial part in making the team better defensively because his ability to block or alter shots.
Jr Smith-A much better scorer and 3 pointer shooter this year, instant offensive spark. Already had games of 40 and 45 points this season. A little more discipline shooter this year thanks to Chauncey Billups.
AC Carter-Thanks to a year of experience as a starter playing point guard, he provide the extra needed minutes as Chauncey Billups rest. He's also shooting better from the perimeter and playing much better defense this time around.
2008 Starter vs Lakers
Kenyon Martin-Kenyon was their best defender last year but was still recovering for microfracture surgery. He average just over 20 minutes that season, and was not playing 100% healthy verses Kobe.
Carmelo Anthony-Decent scorer, did not provide clutch shots when it matter. Made alot of poor shot selections and couldn't defend for sh1t.
AC Carter-He was too undersize to be a starter, and Derek Fisher and Kobe had a field day.
Marcus Camby-The team best rebounder and shot blocker. Despite being a prowliest on the Defensive, he was a non factor offensively around the paint.
Allen Iverson -Excellent scorer, but was a ball hogger, and poor ball distrubitor. His plays on offense made the Defense a liability in transition, because of his bad shots. He did not provide any leadership or made the clutch shots when really needed for a person of his talent.
The Bench
Hilario Nene-Nene played very limited minutes while still recovering from testicular cancer. He could not help the team.
Eduardo Najera-The most consistent player on this team. Knows his role by playing physical and provide an energetic spark needed from the bench.
JR Smith-Could score when he wanted to, but was very undiscipline due to poor point guard play on the team.
Linas Klieza-Did his role as a bench player, but didn't provide much spark offensively.
2009 Starter vs Lakers
Chauncey Billups-Provide excellent from the point guard, controls tempo in the game, Provides uncanny Leadership with his proven experience and clutch shots. The missing piece Denver has been missing for years, a guy that is a excellent 3 point shooter.
Carmelo Anthony-Much more polish now that he knows what it takes to get past the 1st and 2nd round in the playoffs by playing better defense. Is finally providing the Clutch shots when it matters.
Kenyon Martin-Is the team best rebounder and Defender. He's 100% healthy and playing like his New Jersey days as one of the top 10 defender in the league.
Hilario Nene-Now fully healthy, should be a huge contributor around the paint offensively. His physical plays will be the deference in Denver winning this series.
Dahntay Jones-At 6'6 he has the size and atlethicism to take on the role of Shane Battier his former Duke teammate against Kobe. He knows his role, and that's to just play Defense.
The Bench
The Birdman-Provides instant spark and energy boost as soon as he steps on the floor. He plays a crucial part in making the team better defensively because his ability to block or alter shots.
Jr Smith-A much better scorer and 3 pointer shooter this year, instant offensive spark. Already had games of 40 and 45 points this season. A little more discipline shooter this year thanks to Chauncey Billups.
AC Carter-Thanks to a year of experience as a starter playing point guard, he provide the extra needed minutes as Chauncey Billups rest. He's also shooting better from the perimeter and playing much better defense this time around.