Los Angeles Lakers Updates: Frank Vogel Anticipates Center Adjustments Against Denver Nuggets

Strategizing against Nikola Jokic’s versatility will be an important factor to consider for the Los Angeles Lakers. Head coach of the Lakers Frank Vogel shared that he will focus on playing his big men more in the Western Conference Finals.

Momentum is on the Denver Nuggets’ side as they completed a historic comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers. This can be attributed to the stellar performances of Jamal Murray and All-Star Nikola Jokic.

"'Joker' is one of the most unique players in the world, and one of the most unique players ever to play the center position in this league," Vogel said, as reported by ESPN.

The Serbian superstar is coming off a big game seven output where he finished with 16 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists.

"He can basically hurt you in all ways. He can hurt you at the 3-point line, in the pocket, playing the 4-on-3 game in the post, and obviously with his passing,” Vogel continued.

The Lakers are looking to utilize their big men more due to the matchup problems that Jokic brings on the court. This means that centers Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee are expected to see additional time on the floor.

"It does make this series a little different -- a lot different, actually -- in terms of how much we'll use our centers. I don't want to get too much into detail, but obviously we're going to be the L.A. Lakers, who we've been all year. We adjusted to a small-ball team last series, but I would expect us to return to form," Vogel added.

The duo of Howard and McGee brings a lot of hustle and strength inside the paint that serves as a boost for the Los Angeles squad.

"Energy is very important, and if our spirits are down like they always said, one bad apple can spoil a whole basket," Howard said.

The Lakers have made the necessary tweaking in their lineup to properly cater to their opponents. This was evident in their 4-1 win against the Houston Rockets where Vogel’s team ran a similar small-ball strategy against Mike D’Antoni’s style.

"If we're down on our energy, it can get contagious, it can go to another player and another player. We just got to look at all the positives despite what we may be going through -- there's a lot of people going through things that are way worse and that are not here in the bubble, so we can always find a way to stay positive," Howard added.

Game one of the Western Conference Finals will be played on Sept 18, 2020.