LeBron James: Lakers Got Their “A**” Kicked but Not by Nikola Jokić or Jamal Murray

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a disheartening loss against the Denver Nuggets in round 1 of the playoffs. Standing 1-4 by the series end, the Lakers relived the past season as they met the premature end to their campaign against their dreaded rivals. Following the upset, LeBron James, recently opened up about who he thinks was the reason for the Lakers’ loss.

Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are often credited with the victory that the Nuggets secure. But on an episode of “Mind the Game” podcast, the King revealed a different culprit and took the conversation in a surprising direction.

LeBron James’ take on Michael Porter Jr.

LeBron James believed that it was Michael Porter Jr. who played a significant role in defeating the Lakers. James said, “Michael Porter Jr is a f***ing laser, I don’t know if it’s just because he sees the Lakers or the gold or whatever, but I feel like versus that mot****ucker don’t miss he literally does not miss.” Porter indeed played well against the Lakers. He averaged 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game against the Lakers. The Nuggets’ forward also scored 48.8 percent of his shots from three-point range to his 39.7 on average.

The numbers are rather significant from his regular season performance. King James even appreciated the focus of the young star. He admitted that “he’s the one who kicked our ass…you know, he kicked our a*s.” LeBron James further appreciated Porter’s ability to handle pressure, stating, “He doesn’t even see you. They say close the gap, get to his chest. He doesn’t even see you!” It spoke volumes about a player so locked in that defensive pressure simply bounces off him.

Rise of Porter Jr. with Denver Nuggets

James pointed out that Porter Jr. grew with the Nuggets because of the patience and trust shown by the Nuggets. Porter suffered a back injury just before the draft which raised concerns about his development. He was on the radar for being the Number 1 pick, but the injury raised questions. “My entire draft process was disheartening. I wanted to work out, but I wasn’t ready yet,” he had admitted. The forward had also faced the threat of never being able to play again.

But the Nuggets drafted him as the 14th pick which, James believes, offered him a right atmosphere. “He slid in the draft, and he slid right to the perfect position and perfect spot around two guys that you have to keep your eyes not only on him.” Jokic and Murray seem to have helped Porter become the weapon he is now.

Porter averages 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this regular season in a total of 81 games. LeBron James’ comments offered us a fresh perspective. While Jokic and Murray remain as dominant forces, Porter jr. rose as a silent assassin. It serves us a reminder that championship teams are built on more than just star power, and the Nuggets’ depth could play as a game-changer.