![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-17T015831Z_955245562_MT1USATODAY20679869_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS.jpg?width=600)
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
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-17T015831Z_955245562_MT1USATODAY20679869_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS.jpg?width=600)
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
NBA fraternity was a witness to the Nikola Jokic show last season. Amid persistent questions about his validity as a player due to lack of championships, the Joker finally silenced the haters. Clenching the first chip for the Denver Nuggets. He swept LeBron James and the Lakers in the Western Conference finals 4-1 on his way to the ring. Meanwhile, the NBA preseason is almost over.
9 Days before his next encounter with King James, the back-to-back MVP issues a stern warning to the Lakers. In a post-game interview, the center opens about his on-court companion while also making sure the league listens.
The Joker Issues Stern Warning to King James and the Lakers
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Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic has made a significant statement regarding Jamal Murray, which might concern other NBA teams. Jokic, along with Murray and the Nuggets, aims to secure consecutive championships following their remarkable postseason performance last year.
Jokic recently informed reporters that Murray has become a notably better player since his recovery from a torn ACL. He even believes that going through the injury played a crucial role in shaping the player Murray has become today.
“He’s much better, not even close,” said the former MVP. He further added, “I think he’s much better. “Mature, experienced, slow the games. I think just because of the injury, slow him down, so he needed to read a little bit better. Maybe it sounds stupid, but the injury helped him”.
Days before the Nuggets face LeBron James, the Joker gives his vote of confidence to Jamal Murray. And later in the interview, The NBA champion also revealed a massive update on his future Olympic plans.
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Nikola Jokic Gives Olympic Updates
Serbia secured second place in the 2023 FIBA World Cup this summer, even without Nikola Jokic, who was resting following an NBA championship win. The Joker is set to join the Serbian national team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as confirmed by Bozidar Maljkovic, the country’s Olympic committee president. Maljkovic expressed confidence that the Paris Games would feature a strong Serbian presence.
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Apart from Nikola Jokic, Serbian standouts like Vasilije Micic and Nikola Kalinic also missed the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Micic, a former EuroLeague MVP, is set to make his NBA debut with the OKC Thunder this season. Kalinic, on the other hand, was a EuroLeague champion with Fenerbahce in 2017.
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