As the playoffs rage on, only four teams remain in the quest for the NBA title. In the Western Conference, the teams still standing are the LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. These teams have a storied past as they faced off in the bubble.
Despite being the seventh seed, LeBron James and the Lakers find themselves four wins away from another finals appearance. The only thing standing in their way is two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and a fully-manned Denver team.
When these teams squared off in the bubble, the Nuggets were without multiple key players due to injury. Years later, they are fully healthy and poised to continue their deep postseason run.
In the days leading up to this series, LeBron was asked about facing the Nuggets again in the conference finals. He admits that things were much different last time and that he has nothing but respect for the opponent in front of him.
“They’re a better team. Obviously, they’re more experienced… We come in with the utmost respect for this team.”
Along with being healthy, Denver has gained more experience with some of their new additions. One of them being Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was on the Lakers the last time these teams battled in the Conference Finals.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Nikola Jokic & Denver Nuggets Updates
The Nuggets also didn’t have Jamal Murray last time after he was injured following a scorching-hot run to open those playoffs.
Both sides have a lot on the line in this series. Jokic is trying to cement himself as an all-time talent by leading his team to the NBA Finals. On the other side, LeBron is trying to chase his fifth ring at the age of 38.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Nikola Jokic & Denver Nuggets Updates
With all the star power in this matchup, it is surely not going to disappoint. The action is set to begin on Tuesday night with Game 1 in Denver at 8:30 pm on ESPN.
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