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USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second quarter during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second quarter during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets met the Lakers yet again this past postseason. Last year, the two teams clashed in the Conference Finals with the Nuggets winning in five games and ultimately securing the title. This year, LeBron James and company played their best basketball but couldn’t outlast the Nuggets in the first round, especially when it mattered the most. While this series resulted in a sweep, the Lakers were much closer to winning the first round and the numbers might just surprise you. In a candid revelation, KCP shared Denver’s status going into the postseason.
Nikola Jokic and company were competing with the Wolves and the Thunder for the first seed as the regular season was about to end. All these teams were quite strong, meaning any of them could have cleared the first round. However, topping the West is a significant achievement that teams strive for, and this objective might have exhausted the Nuggets heading into the playoffs. Typically, the core of the squad rests as they approach their last few games, but it wasn’t the same for the Nuggets.
“It was a three-way tie for the first. I feel like that’s where we spent most of the, you know, how like towards the playoff guys get their rest but I feel like that’s what we spent most of, you know, our energy and like time. Trying to get that first place… And then like we get to the playoffs, we have no gas, you know, we felt like the Lakers should’ve beat us. Like we was down every game.”, said KCP on Draymond’s podcast. Now, Jamal Murray was the one who decided the fate of the series as the Canadian drained two game-winners. On the other hand, the Lakers were comparatively a better team, however, only till the third quarter of each contest.
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to pass during the third quarter against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you agree with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope that the Lakers should have beaten the Nuggets?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but it was tough
Not sure
Do you think Steph Curry and LeBron James can replicate Michael Jordan's Olympic success?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but it's a long shot
Only if they get the right team
Whats your Perspective on:
Is LeBron James just making excuses, or did the Lakers really stand no chance against Jokic?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Stephen Curry will lead Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, if the team gels well
It's too early to tell
Who do you think DeMarcus Cousins resembles more in playing style?
Charles Barkley
Shaquille O'Neal
Neither
Both
For instance, the Lakers were in the lead for over 150 minutes throughout the series, significantly more than the Nuggets, who led for just 50 minutes. The Lakers were up by as many as 20 points at one point. Clearly, the Lakers were in control of each game they played. As KCP mentions, the Lakers had a legitimate chance to qualify for the second round, but the Nuggets were just better closers. What else can we draw from this particular series?
Can LeBron James hope for a title run with the Lakers?
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The biggest takeaway from the first-round series was the lack of shooting consistency from the Lakers. Who is their primary shooter? The Lakers have D-Lo and Reaves taking care of the outside shots. Both players struggled to maintain their consistency in the playoffs, which was quite unfortunate. While Reaves is a reliable future asset, the Lakers need an experienced candidate for the shooting guard position. The front office tried their best but missed out on four major free agents, including Klay Thompson.
Nevertheless, they bagged a useful first-round pick, who, if consistent, can be a huge problem from outside the arc. Dalton Knecht and Reaves seem to be their only reliable shooting backcourt ahead of the next season. Additionally, the coaching staff has completely changed. Fan-favorite JJ Redick will be in charge of directing plays and is expected to make a considerable impact on how the Lakers’ offense is structured. It will be interesting to see the new-look Lakers next season as they try out yet another experiment.
What’s your perspective on:
Is LeBron James just making excuses, or did the Lakers really stand no chance against Jokic?
Have an interesting take?
What are your thoughts on KCP’s words? Do you think the Lakers would’ve gotten past the Nuggets if they had another All-Star caliber player? Let us know in the comments.
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Before you get to your next read, make sure to check out our latest podcast with BG12.
Debate
Is LeBron James just making excuses, or did the Lakers really stand no chance against Jokic?