Lakers will encounter a tall(er) purchase

Mavericks' ample height, depth and expertise stand in stark contrast to L.A.'s undersized, undermanned first-round opponent, New Orleans. Topping Lakers' to-do list: that contains All-Star Dirk Nowitzki cheap Charlotte Bobcats Jerseys

The Lakers will face a various set of obstacles when they encounter the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Conference playoffs.

In contrast to the Lakers' first-round opponent, the undersized and undermanned New Orleans Hornets, the Mavericks bring what Los Angeles assistant coach Jim Cleamons known as the "total package deal."

The Mavericks have an All-Star and onetime NBA most valuable player in Dirk Nowitzki. They've one of the NBA's all-time best stage guards in Jason Kidd. They've a super sub in Jason Terry. They have size and depth.

Rather than to be forgotten ?a and maybe just as entertaining ?a Dallas has an owner in Mark Cuban who is over prepared to exchange zings with the Zingmaster, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson.

The Mavericks current a challenge the Lakers know will probably be a test, starting with Game 1 Monday evening at Staples Middle.

"They've got plenty of personnel," stated Cleamons, who will probably be accountable for placing collectively the Lakers' game plan for this best-of-seven sequence. "They are deep. It should be a really fascinating sequence. I do not think anyone will pick us to sweep them."

Kidd runs the show, but Nowitzki is Dallas' go-to guy. He averaged 22 points on 46.3% shooting in opposition to the Lakers in 3 regular-season games.

He averaged 27.three points per game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Dallas' first-round playoff sequence.

"Nowitzki is a coach's nightmare to match up in opposition to," Cleamons said. "He's so versatile and this kind of an exquisite shooter. He keeps you off stability with his leap shot. Then he'll post you up a little bit more plus they operate nearly everything via him."

At 7 feet and with the shooting skills of the guard, Nowitzki poses a threat from almost anyplace, including three-point range.

Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will consider turns defending him.

"He's able to shoot the ball from anyplace on the court," Odom stated. "He's among the best at posting up within the center with the court, which most players do not do. You see most gamers publish up around the block. Dirk loves the middle of the court. He is able to hit turnarounds and get towards the basket."

Seeking to begin powerful

The Lakers lost Game one in opposition to New Orleans at Staples Center, therefore shedding the home-court advantage.

They say which was a wake-up contact, something they have mentioned.

"We know how essential Game 1s are inside a series," Jackson said after apply Sunday. "They truly set the tone."

The Lakers wish to start this sequence the proper way, which means beating the Mavericks within the initial game.

"It's just essential to always come out and play well within the playoffs no matter what game it's," Odom stated cheap Chicago Bulls Jerseys