The Denver Nuggets will have a huge target on their backs as the reigning NBA Champions. With training camps opening up around the league this week, a few teams have already admitted they have the Nuggets in their sights.
One of those teams is the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver swept Los Angeles in the Western Conference Finals and they certainly haven’t forgotten about it. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves both commented on how they have plenty of motivation heading into the season opener when the Nuggets will be receiving their rings.
Denver has poked fun at Los Angeles a few times since their series sweep in the postseason. It is something the purple and gold won’t forget any time soon, as it will be used as bulletin board material when they face off against one another.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Denver Nuggets & Los Angele Lakers Updates
However, the tone is much different from the Nuggets’ perspective. Head coach Michael Malone, who partook in some of the shots taken at the Lakers, said that he and the team have nothing but respect for Los Angeles. But they aren’t focused on anything that people are saying at the Lakers’ camp.
“Oh, they’re talking about us? That was what, four months ago?” Malone said after practice at the Nuggets’ training camp at UC San Diego. “I can’t speak for anybody in L.A., but if they’re still worried about us, that’s on them.
“This is a new season, a new challenge, and it was a hell of a series against them. I know it was a 4-0 sweep, but all those games seemed to go down to the wire. We have tremendous respect for that team. I have tremendous respect for Darvin Ham as a coach and the job that he did. But yeah, I don’t listen to any of that stuff. I don’t know what they’re saying, and if we’re on their minds, then I guess that’s on them.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Denver Nuggets & Los Angele Lakers Updates
This is a rivalry not many people likely saw coming. But, this is good for the NBA if there are teams who have some level of respect and disdain for each other, as it makes for intriguing matchups on the court.
October 24th will be the next time the Nuggets and Lakers will face off against one another. It will be another chance for Denver to try and change the narrative, as they didn’t like how their Western Conference Finals series was perceived more as the Lakers losing than them winning.
The defending champions are certainly riding high entering the season, confident in their ability to find success again. But they will have to be ready to defend that title every night as every opponent wants to be known as the team who knocked off the champs.
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