At the quarter turn of the 2008-09 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have established themselves as the best team in the Western Conference by a healthy margin. With Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers are racing out to a big lead for home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Through Dec. 16, the Lakers hold a four and a half to five and a half game lead over four teams: the Denver Nuggets, the New Orleans Hornets, the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets.

Beyond the great record, the Lakers also possess the most prolific offense in the game, averaging 108 points a night. To beat this team in a seven-game series, their opponents must contain the Lakers offensive output.

In that light, let’s take a look at the best defensive teams in the Western Conference. The New Orleans Hornets are – by far – the best defensive team in the Western Conference, allowing a mere 91.95 points per game. Houston, San Antonio and Portland come in behind the Hornets, allowing 93.48, 93.95 and 94.46 points per game. Looking into this further, the Nuggets are allowing an opponent field goal percentage of .427, best in the conference.

According to these two metrics, the Hornets and Nuggets have the best chance at upending the Lakers in the playoffs.

The Nuggets are paced by point guard Chauncey Billups and multitalented small forward Carmelo Anthony. Both are quality defensive players that use their quickness and agility to create turnovers and lead to fast break points.

The Hornets have a young team anchored by David West, Chris Paul and Peja Stojacovik. They are joined by center Tyson Chandler and sixth man James Posey, an excellent defensive player.

Looking at the two teams, we’d give the edge to the Hornets simply because they have a greater number of quality defensive players. They are quick enough to disrupt the Lakers’ offensive rhythm and create transition scoring. Offensively, West and Paul give New Orleans to All-Star caliber scoring threats, something many teams don’t have.

In any case, either team would have to beat the Lakers at the Staples Center at least once to have a chance at knocking them off. The Lakers are unlikely to surrender their perch atop the Western Conference and the road to the NBA Finals will almost certainly go through the City of Angels.

Tagged with: carmelo anthony, denver nuggets, houston rockets, james posey, kobe bryant, laker, lakers, los angeles lakers, nba, nba finals, nba season, new orleans hornets, pau gasol, san antonio spurs, tyson chandler

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