SUMMARY
- The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
- Despite LA being an underdog, fans believes they won't have a problem deep in the playoffs if they beat Denver.
The Los Angeles Lakers have activated fight or flight mode ever since getting through the Play-In Tournament. During crucial moments, the Lakers have proven to be dominant just like we saw during the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Getting through the Play-Ins last season was a major boost in confidence. LA fed off of it and went on to defeat the second seed and defending champions to ultimately play against the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals.
Target practice 🎯 pic.twitter.com/v3R4qhAUTJ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 18, 2024
Though the Lakers were swept in four games, they weren’t entirely healthy nor did they have the assets they have today. This season, Anthony Davis has been the healthiest he has since joining the Lakers. LeBron James continues to show dominance despite being 39 years old. LA also has a determined set of young athletes like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell in the starting lineup. Overall, they’re a stronger defensive team.
NBA fans believe only the Nuggets stand in the way of LeBron James and the Lakers
Right now, various sources claim that the Lakers a major underdogs, as they rightfully should be. The Nuggets are the defending champions who are tied with the No.1 seed in the Western Conference. Fans believe that the Nuggets are going to be the Lakers’ toughest matchup in the playoffs, besides possibly meeting the Boston Celtics or in the finals. One fan said, “Ngl if yall beat the nuggets then it should smooth sailing.” Another fan added, “Beat the nuggets we winning a ship.”
ngl if yall beat the nuggets then it should smooth sailing
— Sad Warriors Fan (@spam_literal) April 19, 2024
Beat the nuggets we winning a ship. 💯
— Portcity Savage (@PortCitySavage) April 19, 2024
Numerous fans also believe that winning the championship this season would probably put LeBron James ahead of Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate. This was a take also given by Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, who is a diehard supporter of the Chicago Bulls legend. Some fans theorize that James will undoubtedly win the title this season with a bizarre four-year interval he’s had since 2012. His title was in 2012, his third was won in 2016, and his latest was in 2020.
Nikola Jokic claims the Lakers series was their toughest matchup last year
The first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs will commence on Saturday, April 20. The Lakers will be taking on the Nuggets in the first round, a rematch from last year’s conference finals meet. Nikola Jokic gave Lakers fans some hope by revealing how LA was the Nuggets’ toughest matchup in the playoffs last season. He said, “It was probably the toughest series we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Can I interest you in some Nikola Jokic?
In regards to the @Lakers, he says, “There are no favorites. We are equal.” @nuggets pic.twitter.com/d8rSXsYibU— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) April 17, 2024
“Yes, we beat them 4-0, but they have a really talented team, well put together, even though a few guys have returned. I have great respect for them, and I think it will be an interesting series regardless,” he concluded. Jokic also added that LeBron James is a key player that needs to be stopped in transition. James has been averaging 29 points, 10.8 assists, and 8.2 rebounds over the last five games. Davis has been gunning it on defense which could be a probably for Jokic. LA would also have to keep an eye on Jamal Murray, who is known for being a pivotal performer during the playoffs.