In a rematch of the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers and Nuggets are set to clash in one of the most interesting first-round matchups of the year. After beating them handily last season, the Nuggets already know what to expect coming in but head coach Michael Malone made sure to point out that the opposition will be playing with some extra motivation in the upcoming series.
"Come Saturday, there are 15 other teams that want what we have. We have the world championship trophy and everybody's trying to take it from us," said Malone. "You win a championship and now comes a very hungry Laker team who is pissed off that we've beaten them eight-straight times."
Malone didn't make up that number in his head. As it stands, the Lakers are on an ugly losing streak against Denver, dating back to last year's playoffs. Despite eight games to pull out a win, the Lakers have been unable to figure this team out, and even LeBron James has validated the idea that the Nuggets are just well-equipped to respond to whatever the Lakers can do.
The catalyst behind the domination is Nikola Jokic, who is on the verge of winning his third MVP this season. With averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game on 58% shooting, the Joker is having an extraordinary run and the Lakers are one of many teams who have no answers to his game.
Last year, despite some fierce resistance from LeBron and Davis, the Lakers were just simply outworked and outplayed at every level and they got beat so quickly that James found himself contemplating retirement after the series was over.
Unfortunately, the Purple and Gold have not come any closer to finding a recipe for success against the Nuggets but this upcoming series may be their last chance for redemption before their title window is slammed shut for good.
Los Angeles Lakers Are Ready For Revenge
The Lakers made a number of moves in the summer in hopes of improving the supporting cast. And while their newest point guard signing [Gabe Vincent] did not pan out, the Lakers are looking strong heading into this postseason.
The Lakers won seven of their last 10 games to close the season and they've been clicking on all cylinders with their current starting lineup that features James and Davis with D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. They are second in the league in free throw rate and have used their size and strength to successfully draw contact under the rim.
At 47-35, the Lakers finished four games better than they did last season -- and while the roster is mostly the same, health seems to be on the Lakers' side for once. After a full season together, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have never been more ready for the fight to come and they are not approaching the series with any hint of fear or regret over their situation.
After losing to the same team so many times in such a short span, the Lakers are approaching the battle of their lives and they are more driven than they've ever been to pull off an upset and avoid falling victim to the Nuggets for the second straight year. With 8 straight losses and counting, one has to think that a win will come sometime soon but the Lakers will have to earn it.
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