Lakers vs. Nuggets: The Western Conference Finals Rematch Is Set
Another exciting playoff round is just around the corner as the top seed in the West Denver Nuggets, and play-in tournament survivor Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on each other in the Western Conference Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are no strangers this NBA season. Both sides have faced each other four times in the regular season, splitting the four-game series 2-2.
The Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 43-39 record overall and are set to play in the Western Conference Finals after knocking off the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors in game 6 of the second-round playoff series.
If you had predicted this earlier in the season, I'm sure no one would believe you, as the Lakers started the season in the worst way possible (2-10). But thanks to some major trades by Rob Pelinka before the trade deadline, the Lakers have done a great job since then and have become a team no one wants to face.
Moving forward from their second-round win the Lakers once again will not have home-court advantage, meaning the series will kick off in the Mile High City before traveling to Los Angeles in the third game.
It is worth mentioning that the Denver Nuggets were the opponents the Lakers faced in the Bubble in 2020, in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets and went on to win the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.
In the first two rounds, the Lakers have allowed just 106.5 points per 100 possessions and would like to put on a strong defensive performance in this anticipated match-up
Leading the way for the Lakers is none other than Lebron James. The 38-year-old superstar joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only player above 38 or older to score at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game.
The Denver Nuggets
Unlike the Lakers, the Denver Nuggets have performed brilliantly throughout the season with an overall record of (53-29). Statistically, they are the best team in the NBA this season.
During the playoffs, the Nuggets have a perfect home record of 6-0, including dominant series wins against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns. With that said the Nuggets would be looking to maintain their impressive run, as they are scheduled to play the series' first two games on their home court.
The No.1 seed Nuggets have never been to the finals, let alone an NBA title. It is the second time in four years that they have reached the Western Conference Finals. In 2020 they lost to the Lakers 4-1. I'm sure the Nuggets still have the bitter taste in their mouths and are looking to revenge for that 2020 loss.
Leading the way for the Nuggets is center Nikola Jokic, who is coming off a stellar series against the Phoenix Suns averaging 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game.
Game 1 is set for Tuesday. May 16, 5:30 pm MST/ 8:30 pm ET, in Denver.