Lakers Can’t Close Out Series Against Nuggets (VIDEO)

Typically for the Los Angeles Lakers the team goes how Kobe Bryant goes. Well, on Thursday night when the team was trying to close out its opening round series against the feisty Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant was so sick he was likely wishing he was anywhere but a basketball court.

Sure enough, the Lakers failed to close out the series; Denver won 113-96.

Even sick Kobe gave it his all. Normally a night like he had would have bee enough (31 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists), but not when the team's other two stars do not do nearly enough. Andrew Bynum was not bad turning in 16 rebounds and 11 points; somewhat typical for him but not enough with Kobe ailing. If Pau Gasol questions being on the trade block again, the team just needs to point to games like this when he only managed 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assists.

The Lakers are probably praying that Kobe is good to go for Game 7  when the series returns to LA on Saturday. Otherwise the Denver Nuggets could pull off the upset of the post season (Chicago/Philly doesn't count since the Bulls lost two major players).

Article by Travis Pulver