Following their first franchise title win, the second-seeded Denver Nuggets (57-25) will kick off their 2024 playoff campaign against the seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (47-35) at 6:30 p.m. on ABC at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, this Saturday. The Lakers enter this game fresh off a road victory against the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament, clinching a 110-106 win on Tuesday. LeBron James led the charge with 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Anthony Davis secured a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Nuggets swept the season series 3-0 and have now bested the Lakers in seven consecutive matchups since sweeping them in last season’s Western Conference Finals. Recently, the Nuggets welcomed back Jamal Murray after an extended injury absence. In five April games, Murray averaged 24.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds while shooting an impressive 47.4% from beyond the arc and 54.8% overall. Against the Lakers this season, Murray averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists, shooting 50.8% overall and 47.4% from three-point range. Nikola Jokic dominated against the Lakers this season, averaging 29.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 12 rebounds while shooting 55.2% overall and 37.5% from three.
Davis averaged 22.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 9.3 rebounds, shooting 47.4% overall but only 20.0% from three against the Nuggets this season. Davis, like many others, struggled to contain two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in recent matchups. In a memorable moment from last season’s Game 4, Jokic hit a sombor shuffle three over Davis, leaving him shaking his head in disbelief. Slowing down Jokic, though easier said than done, will be crucial for the Lakers to compete with the Nuggets.
The Nuggets maintain largely the same roster as last season, with the identical starting lineup, albeit missing point guard Bruce Brown, who joined the Indiana Pacers in the offseason. Brown played a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ playoff run last season as a versatile asset off the bench. Now, the Nuggets will rely on guard Christian Braun, forward Peyton Watson, and veteran point guard Reggie Jackson as their primary bench options.
Meanwhile, the Lakers bolstered their roster with several new additions this season, including power forward Taurean Prince, who arrived from the Timberwolves and started 49 games for Los Angeles, averaging 8.9 points while shooting 44.2% overall. Additionally, the Lakers acquired point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Christian Wood, and guard Gabe Vincent to strengthen their bench.
Reflecting on the upcoming matchup, James emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, “Obviously, it’s a great team that we’re playing against, so we just have to be very disciplined and have our mind into it throughout the course of 48 minutes or however long it takes. It’s going to be challenging, but that’s what the postseason is all about. It should be.”
This playoff run could potentially mark the end of an era for LeBron James, who boasts a remarkable career with 20 All-Star appearances, 19 All-NBA selections, four NBA championships, three MVP awards, and four Finals MVP awards. While James previously indicated he would continue playing until his son, Bronny James, is drafted, he has been noncommittal about his future beyond this season, especially considering Bronny’s challenging freshman year at USC. Nevertheless, James remains focused on another postseason journey for now.
