In a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, the second-seeded Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, will collide with LeBron James’ seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA playoffs' first round. Denver enters the fray aiming to defend their 2023 championship, a historic milestone for the franchise.
The Nuggets drew the Lakers after Los Angeles, initially the eighth seed in the West, triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament, securing the seventh playoff seed. This marks the third postseason encounter between the two teams in five years. Despite their deep familiarity, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone emphasizes the unique nature of this series, dubbing it "a different series."
Malone underscores the challenge ahead, acknowledging the narrative of the Nuggets' recent dominance over the Lakers but cautioning against complacency. The eight consecutive wins by the Nuggets over the Lakers stretch back over 15 months, including last year's conference finals sweep and this season's series sweep. Notably, the Lakers haven't clinched a victory against the Nuggets at Ball Arena in over two years.
However, the Lakers present a formidable opponent this postseason, arguably boasting their strongest lineup since the 2020 bubble. With a notable surge in performance post-All-Star break, the Lakers exhibit a potent offense, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Despite the Nuggets being favored in the betting odds, the challenge posed by the Lakers is significant. Malone acknowledges this, raising questions about the keys to success for the Nuggets in this matchup.
Key questions surrounding the series include whether the Lakers can contain the dynamic duo of Jokic and Jamal Murray, who have been instrumental in the Nuggets' recent dominance over the Lakers. Additionally, the performance and durability of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are crucial factors that could influence the series' outcome.