Losing Game Two of the playoff series with the Denver Nuggets means that the L.A. Lakers no longer have home court advantage. Further, it has exposed some internal turmoil with Lakers. It seems that Andrew Bynum is not happy with his playing time. He played the fewest minutes of the Lakers starters. In his eighteen minutes, he scored nine points and had two defensive rebounds. He played fewer than five minutes in the second half. The official reason is that the Nuggets were using a smaller lineup and Coach Phil Jackson matched that by removing Andrew Bynum. Perhaps a more valid reason is the defensive lapses that Andrew Bynum had and his effort level.

However, the problems with the Lakers and the ensuing coaching decisions do not stop with Andrew Bynum. The Denver Nuggets won only one of the two games played in Los Angeles. They could have won both and be starting Game Three with a two game lead.

The Lakers are having some problems and face some coaching decisions:

• Derek Fisher is in a shooting slump. In Game Two, Derek Fisher was one for nine. That contributed three points and he never went to the foul line. There were five personal fouls. - Phil Jackson always has relied on Derek Fisher. However, in the Houston series, Derek Fisher had defensive problems and inconsistency with his shot. The Denver Nuggets will force Derek Fisher to show that he has regained his scoring touch. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will adjust their defense to cut off more of the driving lanes to the hoop and have more bodies contesting for defensive rebounds. How many minutes will Phil Jackson play Derek Fisher - and who will he use instead?
• Pau Gasol had only eight field goal attempts in Game Two. That was in forty four minutes of play. The Lakers need to have the ball in Pau Gasol’s hands more often. If Pau Gasol cannot establish a post presence, then he has to catch the ball while in motion. The question is whether at this point in the season Pau Gasol has enough energy left to play long minutes in a very physical playoff series. Pau Gasol has played basketball continuously since last season’s finals. There was the Beijing Olympics and that was followed by the start of training camp. In addition, the Denver Nuggets play a very physical game. Pau Gasol is more a finesse player. He cannot count on the referees to protect him. Phil Jackson has to find ways for Pau Gasol to contribute more and be more of an offensive presence.
• Does Phil Jackson use Sasha Vujacic? In six minutes in Game Two, Sasha Vujacic did not score. He took four shots. Sasha Vujacic has had shooting problems throughout the regular season. This has continued into the playoffs. There are some who contend that Sasha Vujacic is not the same player since Ray Allen ’schooled’ him in last year’s final. Can Phil Jackson trust Sasha Vujacic in a critical Game Three and Game Four?
• Can Phil Jackson rely on Shannon Brown? There is no question about Shannon Brown’s athletic ability or his effort. However, Shannon Brown is new to the Lakers system and is learning still. Can he play Shannon Brown long minutes with just basic knowledge of the Lakers offense? Phil Jackson’s choices may be limited.
• Kobe Bryant has to make a decision. Can he trust his team mates at this point? Will Lamar Odom be aggressive and assert himself offensively and on the rebounds? Is Lamar Odom healthy enough? Will Trevor Ariza make playoff errors while playing his first major role in post season play? Does Kobe Bryant stay with the team concept or try to dominate the ball?

Games Three and Four will feature a loud crowd. The Denver fans know that their team has not lost on their home court since a Monday game in early March against the Houston Rockets. And that was a loss by two points. The Denver Nuggets know that the next two games are crucial. If the Nuggets can return to Los angeles with a three games to one lead, then the L.A. Lakers would have the monumental task of winning three consecutive playoff games to advance. And the Lakers in these playoffs have not shown that game to game consistency. The Lakers need at least one of these next two games in Denver - or their season could end soon.

Catherine Forsythe