Tempo Is as Big as Execution

The Lakers versus the Kings is the series everyone has been waiting for and it could be the playoff matchup that validates the Lakers as one of the NBA’s great dynasties.

Sacramento will have home-court advantage in the series but that may not mean much considering that the last time the Lakers lost a road playoff game, Larry Bird was still coaching the Indiana Pacers and A.C. Green was the Lakers’ starting power forward.

If it comes down to coaching, give the Lakers an edge.

Sacramento’s Rick Adelman does not have a great track record of getting the most out of his teams in pressure playoff series, while Laker Coach Phil Jackson seems to live for matchups like this, cowbells and all.

The last two seasons, the Lakers handled the Kings in the playoffs with ease but they had a healthy Shaquille O’Neal, who dominated Sacramento inside. O’Neal will not be 100% but the extra rest he has had this week will help his nagging ankle injuries and that may prove to be the difference between the teams.

Because both teams are so familiar with each other’s talents, this series probably will be decided by whichever one executes the best. A breakdown of Game 1:

LAKERS’ MOVE--After dealing with San Antonio’s Tim Duncan for five games, the Lakers will face an entirely different challenge against Sacramento, the best passing team in the NBA. The Lakers’ legs will be tested against the up-tempo Kings because they are not as young as they used to be. It also doesn’t help that the Lakers have played more games than any team in the league over the last three seasons.

Against the Spurs, the Lakers did not have to worry too much about defending their outside shooting, but that will not be the case against the Kings. The Laker perimeter players not only will have to contest Sacramento’s three-point shooters but they also will have to help out rebounding. Long shots usually mean long rebounds, so look for Kobe Bryant, Rick Fox and Derek Fisher to grab plenty of boards.

When the Lakers go inside to O’Neal, he can’t afford to get frustrated with the Kings’ flopping. Vlade Divac, Scot Pollard and Chris Webber will try to get the Laker big man into foul trouble by dropping to the floor at the slightest touch. But the Lakers can take advantage of this tactic with ball movement and backdoor cuts to the basket.

KINGS’ MOVE--One edge Sacramento figures to have over the Lakers will be the backcourt tandem of Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson. The Lakers had some trouble when the Spurs went with guards Tony Parker and Antonio Daniels, and Bibby and Jackson are much better offensive players.

The Kings can’t get caught up playing the Lakers’ tempo. They have to force the play and have their big men run the floor.

If Adelman can force Jackson to give heavy minutes to guards Brian Shaw and Lindsey Hunter along with swingman Devean George, Sacramento should have an advantage because of its better depth.

In the second round, the Kings did a great job of spreading out the Dallas Maverick defense.

They will look to do the same thing against the Lakers, who may have trouble slowing down the Kings’ screen-and-roll plays. Webber is a master at this because of his ability to drive to the basket and shoot from the outside.

KEY POINTS--Doug Christie of Sacramento is a solid defender with long arms, but Bryant has had success against him. Although Bryant’s perimeter shot has been a little shaky during the playoffs, his ability to penetrate and get off mid-range jumpers is always effective.

It will be important for Christie to make Bryant work on defense. The Spurs’ Bruce Bowen did a decent job on the Laker swingman, but his weak offense allowed Bryant to float on defense. Christie has to be aggressive on offense and not settle for perimeter shots.

Sacramento’s Hedo Turkoglu will be Sacramento’s X factor. With Peja Stojakovic sidelined because of an ankle injury, Turkoglu probably will be matched up against Fox, a crafty defender. Like Christie, Turkoglu has to play aggressively but his biggest challenge will be on the defensive end.