Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were swept in the Western Conference finals by the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets boasted about it afterward, including at their championship parade, and the Lakers have wanted revenge.
Well, the Lakers will get their chance, albeit in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Still, they seem ready, at least emotionally, and their head coach, Darvin Ham, certainly sounded that message after Tuesday’s play-in tournament win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
This time, the Nuggets may be actually showing L.A. at least a shred of respect. That includes their best player, two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who made a surprising statement about their sweep of the Lakers last year.
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
“It was probably the toughest series that we had. … They’re a really talented team. They’re really well-built. … I have a huge respect for them”
Virtually no one thinks the Lakers have a chance against Denver this time around. But if they win one of the first two games in Denver, the complexion of the series will likely change.
The Lakers are certainly hoping this series will be the toughest series the Nuggets have had in at least a couple of years.