Lakers coach has funny response to question about defending Nikola Jokic

With only a few bumps in the road, the Denver Nuggets have practically steamrolled their way through the first two rounds of the Western Conference playoffs, largely due to the exceptional performance of two-time MVP Nikola Jokić.

During the playoffs, Jokić is averaging 30.7 points, 12.8 rebounds and 9.7 assists. He is shooting 54.9 percent from the field and an astonishing 47.5 percent from beyond the arc. These are unprecedented numbers, particularly for a center. 

When asked about the daunting task of defending "The Joker" in the Western Conference finals, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had a humorous suggestion. 

"Try to catch him out of his house and kidnap him," Ham said, via ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

Aiming for their first NBA title, the Nuggets play the Lakers on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in Denver.

There really is no way to guard Jokić. If a team pressures him, trying to take his scoring away, he'll employ his ridiculously high basketball IQ and insane passing skills to create opportunities for his teammates. 

"He revolutionized the center position in this league. When Jokić is on, you can't take your eyes off of him," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said Monday on "Get Up."

If the focus shifts to neutralizing his teammates, he can dominate the post and drop 40 without the hint of a strain. His play is seemingly effortless, no matter the strategy employed against him. 

For further perspective, Jokić boasts the highest career playoff Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in NBA history, eclipsing legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James.