The real Lamar Odom showed up in game 5 of the Western Conference Championship after being a no show in the first four games of this series. In the first four games of the series the Lakers looked like a one man show with only Kobe Bryant showing up with consistent performances. Fortunately for the Lakers in Game 5 Lamar Odom showed up with his best performance of the playoffs scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds. But Odom did not stop his great play on the offensive end, instead he was great on the defensive end changing or blocking several shots.

Now the series shifts back to Denver for game 6 and the Lakers try to close out the very dangerous Denver team. The Nuggets might have better overall talent that LA but at times they blow up emotionally costing themselves. Such outbursts have cost Denver at least 5 points in every game this series. Should be interesting to see if this high pressure game will make this team lose or gain focus.

The Lakers do not want to risk a game 7 as the Nuggets have the offensive firepower to score 120 when they are on there game. The Lakers smell blood in the water and must close out Denver or risk being sent home before the NBA Championship. LA has been very good in Denver this year going 3-2 so far this year so don't expect the Lakers to let down in game 6.

Without a doubt the swing player in game 6 will be Lamar Odom. Everybody knows what you get from Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol but the Lakers need Odom to step up and take some of the big shots. Odom has a huge mismatch as the Nuggets do not have anyone that can guard the very athletic Odom. Watch out for a huge game from Odom as he now has confidence!!

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