The rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers has intensified following the Nuggets’ recent playoff successes. The Nuggets have eliminated the Lakers in back-to-back seasons, showcasing their dominance. In addition to playoff victories, they have also defeated Los Angeles in five consecutive regular-season matchups, further solidifying their upper hand.
In a recent appearance on the Glory Daze Podcast, Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. shared his thoughts about facing the Lakers. His reflections highlight the competitive nature of the series and his personal success against the team. “I used to love those series against the Lakers,” Porter Jr. stated. “They always thought they could beat us but they never did. I always had good series against the Lakers.”
Porter Jr. has played a crucial role in the Nuggets’ playoff victories over the Lakers, averaging 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 14 playoff games. His impressive shooting percentages of 51% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 77% from the free-throw line have made him a formidable opponent. He emphasized the thrill of competing against legendary player LeBron James, calling their encounters “dope.”
“Those series against ‘Bron were dope,” Porter Jr. continued. “He’s the epitome of greatness in sports, and to be able to go into LA, we swept them one year. The other year we beat them 4-1 or 4-2, I think. It was a good feeling, and when you have so much respect for somebody like I do for LeBron, and to be able to go head-to-head and come out on top, it was lit, I’m not even gonna lie.”
Adapting Without Porter Jr.
With the Nuggets looking ahead to the upcoming season, they face the challenge of adapting to Porter Jr.’s potential absence. The team has recently acquired Cam Johnson, who is expected to step into a key role. Johnson had a strong performance last season with the Brooklyn Nets, posting averages of 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. His shooting statistics of 48% from the field and 39% from three-point range suggest he can contribute significantly to the team’s offense.
Despite his scoring capability, Johnson’s rebounding numbers may require improvement to match Porter Jr.’s contributions. The Nuggets will need to strategize effectively to maintain their competitive edge against the Lakers and other rivals if Porter Jr. is not available.
As the NBA season approaches, the Nuggets’ ability to adjust and continue their success against the Lakers will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The ongoing rivalry promises to deliver more intense matchups, and both teams will be eager to assert their dominance on the court.
