Breaking down the Denver Nuggets loss at the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES – Hello from Staples Center… * After three quarters in tonight’s preseason game, the Nuggets trailed 85-68. Denver clawed back, but lost 102-95. * Renaldo Balkman had eight points and four rebounds after three quarters. He played energized defense in the fourth quarter, finishing with 11 and 10 (and four assists, too). As for Balkman’s possible playing time in the regular season, coach George Karl said it is yet to be determined. “All the guys on our team are good enough to have a good game – it’s the consistency factor of how you contribute and fit in,” Karl said. “My problem with Renaldo has always been his consistency, his good-bad performances, rather than just playing solid basketball, he has played up and down.” * As for the Nuggets big men invitees, Karl said, “I thought Eric Boateng helped us in the fourth quarter with his defense.” Melvin Ely, who started alongside Nene, scored eight points but had six turnovers. * Karl said he doesn’t think he will play ...