The 2023–24 regular season started with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets playing the highly anticipated rematch of the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers got an early lead but they were not able to maintain their momentum, resulting in a 119-107 loss.
Both teams showed their outstanding offensive skills to start the game. Lakers temporarily took the lead 10-7 with Taurean Prince’s consecutive three-pointers. LeBron James also showed his signature moves to play the defense for quick baskets. However, the Nuggets’ outstanding offensive prowess, led by their star player Nikola Jokic made a 34-20 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Lakers tried to close the gap, in the second quarter with James and Anthony Davis. Their efforts narrowed the gap to 63-54 by halftime. In the third quarter, the Lakers’ Austin Reaves made a quick steal and dunk, and Taurean Prince continued to impress with his skills by completing LeBron’s outlet pass.
refs really letting Nuggets CHEAT 😭😭😭
Lakers dont stand a chance 😭 pic.twitter.com/FOYjT6Oe0T
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) October 25, 2023
But every time the Lakers appeared to move closer, the Nuggets went ahead. During the final quarter, James’ aggressive play reduced the gap to just three points. But soon after that Nuggets made a quick 7-0 run.
refs really letting Nuggets CHEAT 😭😭😭
Lakers dont stand a chance 😭 pic.twitter.com/FOYjT6Oe0T
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) October 25, 2023
While Denver celebrated their win, some Lakers fans took to social media to express their disappointment and blamed the referees for the match. Comments like “refs really letting Nuggets CHEAT” and “NBA refs hate LeBron” reflect their emotions.
Charles Barkley criticizes Anthony Davis for season-opener loss
Following the disappointing performance of the Los Angeles Lakers’ star, Anthony Davis in the season opener, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shared his insights. Davis only managed to score 17 points and eight rebounds against the Denver Nuggets and did not score any points in the entire second half, which affected the Lakers’ efforts to get back into the game.
Barkley recalled his past praises for Davis during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans. “I said when he was in New Orleans [that] this guy is going to be the best basketball player in the world in the next five years. He’s not even mentioned anymore when you talk about the best players in the game” Barkley said. He also pointed out LeBron James’ comments about the Lakers now being Davis’s team and emphasized the importance of consistent performance from Davis.
Shaq: “It’s about being consistent at what you’re going to do. He’s a 29, 30 point guy.”
Charles Barkley: “He’s not even mentioned anymore when we talk about the best players in the game… You wonder when the light is going to kick on.”
Anthony Davis; AD; Lakers pic.twitter.com/jgFqpMj2ou
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 25, 2023
It remains to be seen how the Lakers will come back from this early setback. All eyes will be on Davis as the Lakers will play their next match against the Phoenix Suns, who recently won over the Golden State Warriors.