The LA Lakers secured a 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans to confirm a spot in the Playoffs. Having grabbed the seventh seed, the Purple and Gold have set up an encounter against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets. There is a lot of history between these two teams and this series could be a culmination of the rivalry that started in the Western Conference Playoffs last season.
The Denver Nuggets swept the LA Lakers in the Western Conference Finals to make their way into the NBA Finals. Although the Purple and Gold would argue that the games were close, Nikola Jokic and his team looked like the better side right from the tip-off. The Nuggets even brought up the win against the Lakers in the championship parade, where they addressed coach Michael Malone as the ‘Lakers Daddy.’
The LA Lakers are well aware of how lethal the Denver Nuggets could be if they get going. Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the league and his basketball IQ could be a deciding factor in the series. The two-man game between Jamal Murray and Jokic is something that the Lakers would be looking to find an answer for. The likes of Michael Porter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon are also vital for the Nuggets. With all these names contributing actively, it is hard to bet against the reigning champions.
Lakers stars have a point to prove in this series against the Nuggets
Anthony Davis mentioned earlier this season that the Lakers heard all the chatter during the Nuggets’ championship parade and couldn’t wait to meet the Nuggets. However, that did not end up well as the reigning champions defeated the Nuggets in all three meetings this season. Considering that the slate is clean in the Playoffs, the Lakers have a chance to seek revenge for all the pain the Nuggets have caused them.
LeBron James who is in Year 21, averaged 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 8.3 APG on 54% shooting from the field. He is arguably one of the best performers in the Playoffs and it is difficult to ignore his presence in the series. Anthony Davis is also another name that is going to have a huge impact in this matchup. His defensive ability is going to be key if the Lakers are to stop Nikola Jokic from wreaking havoc.
What is at stake in this Lakers vs Nuggets series?
The Lakers vs Nuggets matchup in the Western Conference Finals last season was an exciting watch. Although it ended 4-0 in favour of the Nuggets, some amazing basketball was being played and the same is expected this season. The West certainly has some exciting teams, but the firepower the Lakers and the Nuggets have gives them the edge over the others.
The Nuggets have a well-structured roster that has the talent to defeat any side in the league, while the Lakers have two great players and an exciting supporting cast. The West is certainly strong, but there are a lot of teams that are young and are still figuring it out. This will certainly give the Lakers and the Nuggets an advantage over the others. This first-round matchup is certainly important as the winner of this series could be the side that goes all the way to the NBA Finals.
