Stephen A. & JJ Redick debate the BIGGEST CULPRIT for the Lakers demise 🤯 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith, JJ Redick and Brian Windhorst recap the Denver Nuggets sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
0:00 Nikola Jokic and LeBron James’ post-game comments
2:00 Key defensive plays from Aaron Gordon late in Game 4
4:00 Stephen A.’s verdict on the biggest culprit for the Lakers demise
7:00 Stephen A. expected more from D’Angelo Russell
8:00 Windhorst credits “brilliant” Denver
9:00 It’s not all doom and gloom for the Lakers, right?
10:30 Stephen A. fires back at JJ and Brian!
#FirstTake #NBAonESPN #NBA
✔️Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@lordfriezachrist6546]

nuggets were just the better team. There was nothing the Lakers could do

[@kingsaco]

Facts! They Nuggets played like a true #1 seed.

[@Zenigundam]

There was a lot the Lakers could have done; Lebron just wasn't up to the challenge. He can only win with superteams and is an incredibly insecure man.

[@TenonPetro]

@@Zenigundamstop talkin basketball. Leave that for the men

[@what31620]

Losflopping Lakers 😅

[@haywood0457]

Could've hit more shots, especially layups. But that's not how the cookie crumbled. DEN was the 1-2 shots better each game.

[@travisg736]

There is no “culprit” in this situation. The Denver Nuggets were just a better basketball team and have been all year. Instead of discussing what the Lakers didn’t do, talk about what the Nuggets actually did. Sincerely, A Laker Fan.

[@tigerhoods7927]

Lol they trying to create a fake narrative as always

[@TopHat1k]

Preach🗣️

[@Zenigundam]

LeBron is the culprit. He was afraid to take shots because he was so used to having actual shooters save him. His shooting form is pathetic. He wouldn't have gotten close to the scoring record without hogging the ball and driving to the lane.

[@tigertank06]

I hope so bc Lebron fans aren’t seeming to recognize that.

[@jeffreypeace2696]

Denver played a game?

[@random-nz7dy]

Thank you JJ. This wasn't about anything except for the Denver nuggets playing absolutely unbelievable basketball. Thank you for leading off the segment by not just focusing on the Lakers

[@endangeredspecies8441]

He just didn’t want to talk bad about lebron. At the end of the day, they got swept. I understand everyone treats lebron like he’s a special needs child but he got cooked and that needs to be discussed.

[@D0BR0VECE]

@@endangeredspecies8441 How about Joker cooking, Murray cooking, Nuggets squad cooking? It's that discussion more worthwhile?

[@random-nz7dy]

@@endangeredspecies8441 sure. However JJ is pointing out that the Lakers didn't really play that bad. The nuggets are playing amazing basketball and that more than anything was what got LA. As in you can talking AD and Russell and whatever but it's all secondary to the fact of how well the nuggets played.

[@tyrellmiles1467]

@@endangeredspecies8441 by a really good, dare I say great Denver Nuggets team. I’m a LeBron fan, but let’s give credit where credit is due. The Nuggets got better from the last time they met up in the playoffs

[@marcinwypychowski9575]

They didn't close games tho

[@Whatacomedian_]

Jj complimenting molly during an argument with sas is hilarious. 😂bro knew how to get under his skin 😂😂😂

[@lucky7even693]

There’s the comment haha

[@noneofyourbusiness747]

He knows SAS is an egomaniac.

[@ye87]

@@noneofyourbusiness747 nawl he lowkey been tryna tap Molly she jus can do better and does 😂😂

[@tigerhoods7927]

We know Espn gonna talk about the losing team all day instead of the winning team

[@andrewdurand3181]

if the losing team is the lakers then yes.

[@jonyboi21]

These studios are based out of LA...If a Denver talk show was covering the series after a loss they would only cover the Nuggets

[@AvenueI77]

If I was a Denver player I would never go on ESPN, the disrespect is real

[@TheAtlas_]

@@jonyboi21 The only difference is that ESPN is national media, and dedicated to covering all of the nba. Pundits are always going to have biases but it’s a fair criticism against ESPN when their coverage is lopsided.

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

@@andrewdurand3181of course you say that. Your not a fan of the sport.

[@justinhyliu5763]

kudos to JJ for putting his emphasis on the Nugget's surperb gameplay instead of the so-called "culprit' on the Lakers' part.

[@Fab_rice95]

In his head He is the 'best BB analyst' in the World 😂😂😂

[@brrr3301]

@@Fab_rice95 definitely way better than guys like SAS, Skip Bayless, Kendrick Perkins, Windy etc.

[@Fab_rice95]

JJ for sure. I meant SAS. He thinks, he is the best Analyst outthere.

[@eddiebeestraw9993]

@@Fab_rice95 yeah cause you know what he thinks huh

[@only1adonis]

@@Fab_rice95 he’s a multimillionaire, because he thinks he’s the best. Try it sometime. If you weren’t full of naïveté and obliviousness, you would know that self-belief supported with relentless action, is a major key to success. Consider me a Canadian and Serbian bear, and learn from the Lakers, and don’t poke me. I’m an astute satirist, baller, thinker, family man & entrepreneur. I’m the best ME. WHAT’S IT TO YOU? I consider myself the best commenter (& best potential NBA commentator) in social media. Checkmate.

[@okramman]

Kudos to JJ. Molly asked him a Lakers-centric question as usual, and he turned it completely to focus on the better team. Casual media ending in front of our eyes eyyyyy

[@antithoughtz6167]

Ong jj our only hope

[@at2818]

and SAS was trying his HARDEST to swing it back to the lakers lol

[@tradishawatkins7333]

As a lakers fan I'm so proud 😊

[@JayKerr89]

Denver’s supporting cast killed LA’s. Bruce brown and KCP played phenomenally!

[@princellasmith7562]

Yep! 💯

[@malikseifullah5828]

That literally was the most competitive sweep I've ever seen. 4 games that could've went either way, so I agree the Nuggets were the reason. That's a very good team!

[@bryceandcarter6139]

Celtics Vs Nets last year was the same

[@992porter]

@@bryceandcarter6139 right. And nobody gave KD them a pass lol

[@megaslice23]

It may have been close in the box score, but that was due to Denver being careless at times. If they played with their foot on the Lakers' throat, like they did only for spurts in this series, it wouldn't have been close. Denver needs to stop playing with their food though, especially with Jimmy and MIA coming to town. And let's be honest, the officiating was a disaster on both sides, but bad whistles will always favor the team that's more aggressive in the paint.

[@ivotenotocensorship5247]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA competitive hahahahahahhahahahaha 🤡

[@TheWrldIsSquare]

It was a great series but the most competitive sweep I've seen was LeBron's Cavs vs Paul George and the Pacers in 2017. It felt like every game went down to the wire

[@FrKuraiba]

Obviously ESPN decide to open on the Lakers rather than the nuggets, as always, Mike Malone is 100% right, this i shameful

[@matolaugh6167]

ESPN is toxic.

[@r.m.90]

Cry about it. Sounding like a child.

[@shaundrahammond3282]

@@r.m.90 Small market bias is a thing. And the media should be held accountable for it. That's not whining. That's stating facts.

[@r.m.90]

@Intangible Fancy Small markets should do better with managing their teams, and it wouldn't be an issue. They got lucky finally, and suddenly, the media is supposed to blow them. Give me a break. Lebron is a generational talent and probably the greatest ever. Yeah, the media is going to talk about him and his team. Jokic has no social media and is a boring person. Talented but boring. I think some of you forget this is still about entertainment and revenue. You all click links about the Lakers and watch while ignoring videos about small market teams, then blame the media 🤣

[@juanthompson8016]

​@@r.m.90 Typical Lebron meat riding comment😂😂.

[@ElaraNightsky]

the media: "is Lakers going to be first 0-4 NBA comeback? "🤣🤣

[@leemarvin5738]

For a team to play as well as the Lakers did and get swept says everything you need to know about Denver, they were unstoppable!

[@mikeydagoat3527]

suns got 2 that tells us how good the suns are

[@firstnamelastname1566]

All thanks to LeFraud for helping the Nuggets complete the sweep 😂 Choked hard in game 1, choked harder in game 2, a choke of a lifetime in game 3 and the greatest CHOKE the game has ever seen in game 4. LeFraud an all-time CHOKE artist and the greatest FLOPPER ever, what a CLOWN🤣

[@ethanbloodworth619]

@@firstnamelastname1566 he could buy your entire family lineage

[@thef1lm47]

@@firstnamelastname1566 Thanks for letting everyone know how uneducated you are when it comes to basketball. Putting up 40-10-9 while playing all 48 minutes is NOT choking. The Nuggets were just better. I'm a Warriors fan who doesn't like the Lakers and I can still see that this wasn't a choke job in any capacity.

[@emeraldworld209]

Unstoppable this is there first finals I only hope the lights don't shine bright

[@kocojack]

JJ is a basketball analyst. Stephen A is a sports personality.

[@marcelmarshall4240]

Redick is disrespectful. He will be humbled. He talks a little rudely for a guy hired by SAS to do the show. I think he forgets that SAS determines who is on HIS show and who is not. SAS was right. His shirt looked messy. It’s TELEVISION, not college radio.

[@shaundrahammond3282]

@@marcelmarshall4240 SAS is a poor man's Paul Heyman. Nothing more.

[@marcelmarshall4240]

@@shaundrahammond3282 Whatever he is, he is the top dog at ESPN. Next.

[@shaundrahammond3282]

@@marcelmarshall4240 Guys like SAS, Perk, Bayless, Kellerman etc are dumbing down sports news. They are helping us inch closer to President Camacho.

[@kevinburke6055]

@@marcelmarshall4240 JJ lost his cool so he comes at SAS personally he’s immature.

[@amanmehta3026]

Nuggets have been building this team for 3 years now, they had been unlucky with injuries for the last 3 years but what we are seeing right now is their true potential when everyone is healthy. Lakers on the other hand have most of their better performances acquired during the last trade window. They will require time to rebuild properly

[@minimal1557]

In addition to those true statements, it has to be noticed that the nuggets front office have completed several key trade to reinforce their roster KCP, Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon which have been massive addition

[@mantraworks7113]

yep, they lost.

[@paytontrue6973]

This is definitely not true, those nuggets finally got experience and jokic gets carried by role players of other championship teams

[@castlejrichardson6308]

​@@minimal1557 that's true even though the Lakers had made key trades to to put them in a position to get to the Finals however this wasn't the same team from the Bubble

[@minimal1557]

@@paytontrue6973 Did you watch any nuggets game in the last 3 seasons ?

[@megasoid]

Here we go again, another segment about the Lakers instead of the Nuggets who made franchise history.

[@jesusdemata4190]

It was a good run for LA for a short period of time but this new crew needed more playing time to really be solid. Specially on closing period.

[@miguelzambrano2260]

Plus LeBron needed a surgery that he postponed due to the playoffs

[@ronniekregar3482]

The Nuggets disrespect is insane to me. This is like the 2011 Mavs all over again.. I've never seen more excuses made for any Superstar ever. EVER!!!!

[@aceboogie4535]

It's ridiculous.

[@ACelloFella]

That's because it's new. Had they been healthy last year, I think they could have thwarted the Warriors run. Moving forward they will get the respect now.

[@kevinmontgomery5749]

Thank you thank you ,tire of excuses for LeBron he cant play bully ball anymore....can carry a team anymore,stop acting like he ain't old and won't make adjustments

[@lakers1702]

Love it

[@Astelch]

@@ACelloFella the way klay and Poole are playing right now nuggets would 4-0 them. Until klay and Poole gets shipped off I expect the nuggets to do it again next year

[@seanpule266]

This sweep was competitive asf. 😂😂

[@leonangelarevalo2596]

They are limited offensively , they were in the conference finals because they were getting 40 plus Fts against a smaller team, against a bigger team on a finals with all eyes in the refs about how they are awarding those Fts was very difficult for them to overcome

[@endangeredspecies8441]

And the refs still tried it.

[@chiderambah6949]

@@endangeredspecies8441, stop talking like a troll.

[@DJ57522]

JJ with the Rizz at the end and Stephen A with the shade 😂

[@robertallshouse500]

It was tightly contested. But the nuggets were consistently able to make the plays when they had to. It just comes down to depth. The Lakers improved mid season, but the nuggets are just a well constructed team. 2 big times players, and a number of really good role players that you can tell just gel

[@gman7497]

100% I think a major factor is just playing a full season together. Denver's core has been together for multiple seasons, the Lakers were almost completely rebuilt at the trade deadline. Continuity plays a huge role when you get down to crunch time, knowing what guys can do and trusting them.

[@scottsheeron1214]

You can’t even say depth cause the nuggets only use a 7 man lineup…. It’s more coaching and chemistry

[@samcremin1486]

​@@gman7497 have they had the same core for a number of seasons? KCP, Bruce Brown and Christian Braun were added this year. Murray and MPJ were out last season. Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green were added 2 years ago. Jokic has been the only constant, the team last year was completely different to this year's team.

[@robertallshouse500]

@@scottsheeron1214 I’d say 1 through 5 played better than the Lakers 1 through 5. Other than lebron, maybe. He had to run a 40 point almost triple double to give them a chance. I’m talking depth outside top 2 my guy

[@danieltatum4262]

Lebron should of talking a midrange side step or step back, it’s like he don’t have no midrange pull up game

[@AdamWestTheDrunk]

Atleast jj tried to talk about Denver....

[@mr.clockwork727]

Bro ima lakers fan, but dawg, when whitehurst started talking about how we fought, and not about the nuggets being dominant, I was dumbfounded😭

[@carolmiller5713]

I was surprised how much the Lakers changed & improved with new additions. Good job.

[@J32_]

"He couldn't hit the back side of the ocean if he was standing in it" Lmao

[@think4ward996]

This what a TEAM looks like. Not one guy dominating the ball all game. Good job LET'S TALK ABOUT THE NUGGETS

[@jreturns4756]

Exactly everyone wants to talk about Lebron and the super teams he has been on and the warriors in the KD days. Not saying they weren't all good but a team that plays really well together as a single unit has depth and nobody cares about getting their points and has key role players can be just as tough to beat.

[@erikdayne5429]

Pretty sure Murray and Jokic dominate the ball, and if they don’t their coach isn’t doing his job

[@whoa_bro9971]

Agreed completely. It’s obvious Joker and Murray carried it but man without KCP, Aaron Gordon, Bruce Brown, Michael Porter and others contributions, not just stats but hustle and presence, may have been different

[@jonahpharoah]

@Erik Dayne He said not just ONE guy dominating the ball you named 2 guys there is a difference

[@BunnyP3]

Lakers game plan was too one dimensional. Whoever has the ball at the top of the key, either shoots or rolls to basket with AD, hoping he gets an ally hoop or put back. This was really their only main attack and hoping for foul calls as usual.

[@acestone84]

"Biggest culprit for the Lakers demise" was The Denver Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets had the best player in the series , the better role players and a clear team identity. The Lakers played Tristan Thompson in a game 4 while The Nuggets had Reggie Jackson on the bench ... if needed. The Lakers tried many things to win 1 single game and still got swept. Rosterwise in 2020 , Lakers had Dwight Howard and Javele Mcgee to assist Anthony Davis on Jokic. They also had a much bigger guards/wings to matchup with Murray. This version of the Lakers could not matchup with this version of the Denver Nuggets. 3 of the 4 games were winnable for both teams , but execution and team chemistry always favored the Denver Nuggets. They have played this well since the beginning of the season.

[@SK-vd4vm]

LOL NUGGETS GOT RID OF WILL BARTON AND MONTE MORRIS AND THEY PLAYED BETTER IN PLAYOFFS THEN D LO AND HE WAS LAKERS 3RD OPTION MAKING 30 MILL.....CLUELESS PEOPLE IN THIS COMMENT SECTION

[@deejack4710]

Lakers should’ve got Dwight

[@SalehSingh44]

Don’t forget Jamal Murray getting that super soaker for that extra boost

[@Mister_Mass]

Well said 👏🏾

[@redcomet0079]

@@SK-vd4vm typing in all caps shows how desperate you are for attention

[@probl3ms]

Is crazy how accurate and articulated J.J.'s argument was and Stephen A. just dismissed it less than 2 seconds into his response.

[@theresakain7837]

The question was about the Laker’s biggest culprit

[@NOB6677]

The lakers are a good team, denver has a core and a coach that’s been together for years, and now they’re reaching their prime, and this is the first time since the bubble they’ve been healthy, they are an incredible team the best team we’ve seen since the kd-steph warriors imo

[@mscooldeadly]

ESPN, stop making it about the Lakers. Give the Nuggets their respect.

[@justified004]

They did. They do this with all the losing teams. Tomorrow it will be the Celtics. Few weeks ago it was the Sixers, Bucks and Warriors.

[@tyrelljohnson6901]

JJ brought something to first take i never taught i would have seen and that is great analysis. From the tape to breaking down what happened in the game, just great job by JJ.

[@bobbyulili]

Love the exchange

[@cas1994]

Biggest culprit was jokic. Murray a close second....don't blame the Lakers, nuggets were the 1 seed for months with good reason

[@nikolayjerev9285]

Even with the LeReffs, couldn't avoid the sweet sweep.

[@SK-vd4vm]

WRONG LAKERS STARTING PG WAS THE BIGGEST CULPRIT WHY BS SMH

[@pat99121]

@@SK-vd4vm that same PG played the first two rounds. The only variable that changed was them playing the Nuggets

[@JamesKP17847]

@@SK-vd4vm a role player is the reason the lakers were swept?

[@SK-vd4vm]

@@pat99121 NO D LO AVERAGED 6 POINTS ON SUB 30 PERCENT SHOOTING AND THE WORST DEFENSE IN BOTH CONFERENCE FINALS. THESE ARE FACTS LOOK AT ADVANCED STATS NUMBRS DONT LIE THE BENCHING DOESNT EITHER. WINNING = RAZOR THIN MARGINS. I AM DONE ARGUING

[@Super-qz5zn]

Thank you JJ Reddick!! Denver is the better team. Everyone else trying to "explain" the Lakers loss. There's nothing to explain, they were beat by the better team.

[@robertwilliamsingh9186]

The heat will beat them in the finals mark my words and after Miami wins the championship Denver will be still zero rings forever

[@michaelbuettner1487]

Lebron gets so many excuses

[@micheleblacknell8051]

Lakers literally missed too many easy baskets.

[@grief6052]

@@robertwilliamsingh9186 and the reasoning for that is?

[@bha2808]

​@@robertwilliamsingh9186 jokic beats Bam all the time

[@desireubensealey]

SAS and JJ jawing at each other is GOLD!!!

[@mastermultiverse3901]

8:43 and onwards thankyou windy we appreciate your good

[@Kentelligent24]

Hats off to the Nuggets, they played phenomenal basketball.

[@keandregreen5628]

Jokic and the nuggets were too good and they never panicked… the end

[@RaiderNation327]

And AD Sucks .

[@MrGenexxx]

@@RaiderNation327 Ad is fine. His LeSidekick choked too many games away.

[@RaiderNation327]

@@MrGenexxx wich games? The ones that he decided not to show up?

[@o.d.b.5344]

@@MrGenexxx GTFO the one who choked was AD with his miserable 20 point game. The 40 year old had to put up 40 just for them to even have a chance.

[@romeowilliams6956]

@@o.d.b.5344exactly! AD is SOFT and Lebron needed more of him. Just look at the stats nobody else on the team scored more than 20 points which nobody talks about. They wanted Lebron to go for 60.

[@user-jb3hc6dj4l]

Love the contrast of ideas

[@prettyboy3949]

Jokic is the culprit and real MVP

[@Nyesha18i]

I love JJ. He ain’t afraid to tell it how it is!

[@penkima4923]

But he is afraid.

[@Nyesha18i]

@@penkima4923 you think so?

[@aohjii]

@@penkima4923explain?

[@penkima4923]

He speaks for his generation of players. He doesn't speak his mind, yet.

[@tonytonedeaf8981]

@@penkima4923 thank god someone said it. JJ just sticks up for his friends who are still in the league because if he didn’t they wouldn’t come on his podcast. He panders to the feelings of multi millionaires

[@ijayrizzy3116]

6:16 😂 "don't get me started with D'lo Russell"

[@DeezLeHeez]

It was also on the front office. As good as the moves they made were we still didn't have a javale McGee or a D Howard to throw at Jokic. We needed big body 5's all season and didn't have it. Yes, the M Bamba injury hurt us but we needed more depth than wenyan Gabriel and t Thompson.

[@LeFemininDivin]

Thank you JJ. Denver Nuggets we're just the better team.

[@sirhoopalot1125]

Everyone bashed Brooks for calling Bron old lmao now everyone is saying he’s old 😂😂

[@mfngeez]

Wasn’t abt him bein old the issue was that you jus don’t say it it’s disrespectful esp bein that HE couldn’t back it up or play well or face the media afterwards is the issue bruh 😂 not bron bein 38 bc he is.

[@sirhoopalot1125]

@@mfngeez it’s disrespectful period lmao it’s a back handed compliment at the end of the day

[@Only1Nolamade]

@@sirhoopalot1125 yea it’s not a cop out excuse it’s just the way brooks said which was intended to be disrespectful but we all know bron old.

[@cryptaku3404]

​​@@sirhoopalot1125 False equivalent. We're spectators. Dillon was his opponent. It's not even remotely the same thing.

[@raquansingleton1549]

He still had 40,

[@burnixone]

Seeing Cobblepot in the morning always brightens my day

[@derrelbowers]

Thank you JJ for making sense

[@linnstr8609]

JJ tried to provoke Stephen A at the end by complimenting Molly's coat 😂

[@gregorcollins]

Thank you JJ - the Nuggets won, the Lakers didn't lose

[@dr.h9309]

Dang SAS really did him like that about his shirt collar 😂😂 even Windy was laughing

[@mattlau95]

I like this Stephen A Smith & JJ content

[@Buo2k]

Lol I love how u can feel the saltiness and disdain that SAS and JJ have for each other 😂 u can tell it bothers SAS that JJ is getting the media popularity he is getting.

[@lilbam19]

I love JJ. He’s the only analyst that’s not talking about why the Lakers didn’t win

[@valeries1581]

Yes, JJ really IS the ONLY one

[@kingnovi9404]

You talking about the jj who tried to imply bird was overrated. Or said if magic only averaged 20 how could he be top 5. Or said all the old players were plumbers and fireman

[@chanelhenderson8460]

He the only one

[@TeeFelz]

@@kingnovi9404 You ok bro?

[@lakers1702]

Haha 😂

[@geraldadams8084]

Reminds me of cavs pacers, when bron sweep pg twice.. total margin of victory was like 12, 14 points over 4 games

[@riomara29]

Props to JJ. The man does his homework and strives to actually provide intelligent basketball analysis. SAS going with what he (probably) thinks would make the low hanging fruit engaged - that is talking about the more popular teams and players - as opposed to giving credit to Denver's excellence as a whole.

[@shalakocumberbatch5056]

I like how JJ called out Stephen A b/c the media loves focusing on the Lakers! 💥👏🏾

[@digontozahid]

JJ tried to talk about nuggets but stephen a and windy only wanted to talk about lakers😂😂

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

That’s why I love JJ, he’s a real analyst.

[@matolaugh6167]

It's a payroll thing.

[@hrstar24]

The last 2 minutes of this video are hilarious, we need JJ and Stephen A to just be full time hosts

[@marquaviouswall]

“He couldn’t hit the backside of the ocean if he was standing in it”😂😂🤣

[@justc1re617]

I love how Stephen A says they aren't trying to take anything away from the nuggets and then goes on to downplay them sweeping LA

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

Exactly. They need to talk about winning teams. After games not why this team didn’t win. Denver was great, they showed out. And they closed the deal. Murray and Jokic are killers. And that team around them are crazy good. Respect to Denver hopefully they accomplish their goal.

[@juanthompson8016]

Exactly!! No more talking about LeBitch and the Lakers😂

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

@@juanthompson8016 who hurt you buddy.........

[@Alanboy395]

Culprit? There is none here. The Lakers overachieved by getting to the Conf. Finals if anything. Coach Ham did a great job getting this team up in the 2nd half of the season but the Nuggets were simply the best in the West.

[@vincente4570]

I think Coach Hammer took too long to adjust to what was needed including a lineup change and rotate bigs to spell AD. But ah ight🤷🏿‍♂️

[@AristotelK]

They failed, their goal was a championship and they didn't get it done.

[@saidsharif1]

"Most impressive performance in a sweep, ever" Windhorst is hilarious

[@allpraisestothemosthigh9418]

It's truly sad and pathetic how they celebrate constant losing/a sweep of such a GREAT self proclaimed goat!

[@futurekillerful]

I mean every game was close so I get what he means

[@TeeFelz]

@@allpraisestothemosthigh9418 Jordan got swept, but all they talk about is 63 points.

[@allpraisestothemosthigh9418]

@@TeeFelz Well it is the highest playoff points in a game but yeah, MJ got swept by a HOF team in a 5 game series, before he ever won a chip. It didn't happen again unlike LeChoke

[@allpraisestothemosthigh9418]

@@TeeFelz Also, you are so butthurt, you didn't read my comments intelligence...typical LeBum fan, stay delusional kid!

[@davidowen5312]

AD's inconsistent game is the biggest problem.

[@bokaboka4675]

Can we get some love for MPJ. Bro is playing such beautiful and RESPONSIBLE basketball. Huge maturity jump from him, and i think nuggets couldnt be what they are without it.

[@petrmarek6397]

100 % true!And I am so happy I was wrong with him and never believed he could develope this way,my bad and apology...

[@jalilcook5113]

“We not taking anything away from the nuggets” lmao so why y’all talking about a team that got SWEPT just don’t get it

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

Only Stephen A says this non sense. Shows JJ is a way better analyst instead of running narratives 24/7

[@reginaldremble2655]

Stephen A never said who the biggest culprit was, yet JJ actually said a whole team the culprit and answered the question. Crazy.

[@vitaminamulti]

He said it was De'angelo Russell. Did you not listen to his argument? Laker's point guard went MIA passing up open shots.

[@reginaldremble2655]

@@vitaminamulti I was waiting for someone to try and say what you did. He said both AD and Russell, he never picked one. But he got on JJ for picking an entire team and not picking one person.

[@tedbailey3673]

Listening isn't a strong point on SAS

[@ejking4776]

No because JJ is up there trying to justify the Lakers getting swept, mentioning things like how close the games were. Nobody cares how close it was, you lost. If I fight someone 10 times, lose 10 times, but I got close all 10 times it’s ok guys I got close😃The Lakers season was in no way shape or form a failure no one is saying that

[@tdavidson31td]

​@ejking4776 right like ok we get it you played but taking this position all the time is starting to get really annoying

[@gutikonga7161]

It just feels like this was Denver's moment. Nikola and Murray made some crazy shots that I would call lucky. But you know what they say: luck is when opportunity meets preparation. The Lakers played very well. AD could have done a bit more. There was no fire in his eyes.

[@foknlost2090]

JJ is the best thing to happen to espn. windy had a nice summary as well. joker had the edge in an incredibly entertaining, infuriatingly tight contest and the lakers didn't deserve to be swept but that's just basketball

[@tigerhoods7927]

Windy look so salty his boyfriend Lebron won’t win a ring this year 😂😂

[@SincereSentinel]

Stop talking about Lebron. He lost. He got rejected at the rim with the WCF on the line. Talk about players & teams that are actually still relevant.

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

Exactly

[@elvisrolon1862]

Got rejected they’re was literally 2 people on em 1 tryna strip the ball and the other one jumping to blocc it don’t make seem like he just got blocked fare and square for the game winner 10 out 10 if it was a 1 on 1 going up lebron is winning that over Gordon

[@penkima4923]

Bron was one assist shy of a 40-point triple-double, in an elimination-game in the conference finals. Something Jokic didn't do in this series. Bron is still well relevant.

[@rhoclass9]

It's their year! Really resilient team!

[@squirrelman111]

Please never get rid of JJ on this show

[@jaremhdg]

It’s amazing how SAS can make an argument against his own argument while he’s making his argument 😂

[@SuperNova23333]

😂

[@Jap213]

You learn it in school

[@timothyhergert4199]

I will say I think those circus shots by jokic 3 times and Murray’s were just heartbreaking for the lakers. After those shots the game was over. Just took the hearts right out of em. The games were close , but nuggets closed. Props to the nuggets man, they are an unreal basketball team

[@gogouvaiphei8606]

Fr man. Those shots were unreal.

[@willh69]

0:53 I legit thought JJ Redick was going to say Stephen A Smith 😆

[@bmx7596]

When I hear SAS and JJ talk, one is purely emotional and the other is facts and breakdowns

[@spacecowboy2974]

Why are we acting surprised the #1 team won??

[@Jamurawun]

Because the 8th seed in the east destroy the 1st seed? As if we’re not gonna talk much if ever the lakers have won over the nuggets

[@SaucyJellyYoutubeGaming]

Idk why everyone is surprised, 1 seed won beat a play in team that surprised everyone.

[@leonardo3399]

Because the Lakers fans acting like they will win the championship when they beat the grizzlies. The narrative after the game 1 of WCF was they figured out Jokic and nuggets and said that they’re fine. Now they’re humbled by the nuggets

[@alananderson7903]

@@Jamurawun Giannis was injured you moron. What are you, a high school DROPOUT?

[@nikolayjerev9285]

Becouse Lakers had the best record since they trade, had the best defense in th playoffs had LeReffs on their side and couldn't avoid the sweeeeeeep

[@ohsosaucy]

Man that shot by Jokic is just filthy and demoralizing. I was stunned when I saw that

[@mrstone.]

Love JJ on first take 🎉

[@mlpb]

You come for the analytics and stay for the banter

[@wilsonsmanz]

This is why the Lakers will have a hard time winning. Denver built this team, developed team chemistry over a period of years. Lebron and LA keeps changing half the team every season, even after they won. You can make a trade here and there but you need to build team chemistry and get better. This Lakers team surpassed expectations. Trade Delo and then just build together and come back next year.

[@YoungansRunningstaks_llc]

need a real point guard

[@matthewuzamaki3510]

@@YoungansRunningstaks_llc they had Westbrook and he was dominating Denver

[@Jeanuwine]

@@YoungansRunningstaks_llc Denver was a better team.. They allowed LBJ to score more points knowing he would get tired.. It showed after halftime.. Leave him open all night to build his courage and than lock him up on his final drive.. Reaves and DLo are one on one players but can’t defend

[@YoungansRunningstaks_llc]

@@matthewuzamaki3510 Westbrook finish ,his days are over

[@user-ro9et1su8g]

That's because the Lakers are running on labrons and rich Paul's schedule and in my opinion it damaged the franchise for years to come Woj is an insider he's not even a journalist

[@splash.3026]

Reminds me of the nets Celtics first round from a year ago. A closely contested sweep. That was one of the 3 sweeps that were closer by point differential.

[@littleprince8164]

6:18 lmaooo I dont usually listen to Stephen A but i laughed out loud when he called DLo Anemic😂😂

[@moonman0506]

Did yall check the end of the video when steven a whole face and additude turned up when jj compliments molly jacket which is steven a jacket she wearing lmaooo 😅😅😂

[@tylerwaffles21]

These Nuggets are special. They remind me a lot of the 2014 Spurs with the way they play team basketball but the scary thing is that they’re young. If they win the championship this could be a dynasty in the making 👀

[@mikeedwards9984]

Yes the ball movement is eerily familiar

[@vincente4570]

Naw dude. They Spurs was not only winning championships prior. They added another great piece(KAWHI LEONARD) in da process. So I think they’re the first team ever to not be as loaded but playing together for awhile does make a difference in the end. I got your analogy doe boss😊

[@luislaureano228]

Yes they are and looks like that team is poised for a run for the next 3 - 4 seasons. They are the new sheriff in the Western Conference and all the other teams will now play catch up.

[@jsfbr]

I must agree with SAS about DLO underperformance.

[@cousinchris5851]

Windy was blinking like my Dad when he's trying to "act normal"

[@tiagoriseabove]

The Nuggets were just a better team, simple as that. They remind of the 2014 Spurs team the way they move the ball. You can argue, if LeBron played and produced like he did in game 4 the whole series, they probably could have won a game or two.

[@akilan]

or maybe if the younger AD played more consistently, they'd have won more.

[@quasheemtaylor3443]

Right but remember he’s almost 40 bro he can’t run like he used too ad had to be that guy like sit back it’s my turn you know

[@tiagoriseabove]

@@akilan dude im referring to this series. He played well in this series considering his task to guard Jokic. Im saying, if lebron played like in game 4 on the previous 3 games, they would not have been swept.

[@tiagoriseabove]

@@quasheemtaylor3443 come on, he better and bigger than his matchup. Plus he's well conditioned like what they say. We didn't hear his age when they won against mem and gsw. Now they got swept, we hearing the age card.

[@quasheemtaylor3443]

@@tiagoriseabove you heard them say it jj and them he looked gassed in each series bro he’s doing everything that man tired he was playing defense doing it all no breaks and I’m not taking anything away from Denver they was better but are they better by a wide margin nope but they definitely are a better team

[@sulaimanjalloh]

This is one of the more balanced takes from all three analysts about such a debacle. Stephen A. couldn't even get into his usual histrionics as much, and it allowed everyone to give a truly expert opinion. JJ owned SA in this round thoroughly! 😆😆😆

[@Avermra]

Stephen A just caters to the casual and the drama seekers. Glad there are better analysts

[@ivotenotocensorship5247]

Yeah ok! Wildhorse really said that the lakers "played the best he's ever seen against a winning team". They did not. They played terrible. Denver wasn't even trying half the time.

[@sevenonsere6399]

I don’t know about owned

[@bendawgg98]

Imagine if this was Steph that was swept. Windhorst would be going off on him

[@claymccombe1838]

Tristan Thompson being played in a WCF elimination game 4th quarter is amazing

[@toddsweetinggeneralfox7380]

Sometimes we make things too complicated. The Lakers beat the Nuggets in the bubble when they had Dwight Howard, a strong, defensive center to guard Jokic.

[@nemajabakic4546]

They had bodies there you can't say AD is bad defender he had historically good defense this postseason and Also Gobert is better defender then Howard the difference is that Jokic matured

[@davidcombs3617]

And Denver has more experience now, regular season and playoffs, than they did in the bubble.

[@galaxy2901]

Nemaja Gobert has never been a better defender than Dwight 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@thewizang]

KCP was also a factor in the bubble. I bet Lakers wish they still had him!

[@james9904638]

Plus rondo player amazing in that postseasons

[@docd0071]

At least ESPN talked about the Nuggets and the Lakers in a balanced matter. And GREAT take from Brian Windhorst.

[@lolomim1]

Thank you JJ Redick and Brian Windhorst for the intelligent recap.

[@GOODMuzikBoi]

The biggest culprit was the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers overachieved this season. Not many people had them in the playoffs let alone the WCF.

[@ash80510]

Plenty of people had them in the playoffs. What you talking about. Agreed about wcf tho

[@SANDMAN_7]

@@ash80510 no alot of people didnt have them in the playoffs

[@GOODMuzikBoi]

@@ash80510 before those trades they were not a playoff team. But they did get hot in March and April. I didn’t think they were going to be in the playoffs when Russ and Pat Bev were on the team

[@SK-vd4vm]

CASUAL TAKE. STARTING PG MAKING 30 MILL TO SIT THE BENCH IN THE 4th CAUSE HE CANT PLAY D OR SHOOT

[@matolaugh6167]

Must of been hard beating a trash Memphis team missing 3 players and a hurt point guard. And being golden state that won what 10 away game all season? Yeah it was hard one. I didn't even add the insane difference on free throws in both those series. Man you people are pathetic 🤡s

[@kingmonte1459]

They are suppsed to talk about how denver swept them, how great of a center Jokic is, how they have been building the team the last few years, how healthy everyone are now and how Jokic is better than Anthony Davis !

[@olivercool2308]

Go cry about it betch

[@ericradford2142]

They won’t listen to anybody.

[@saurabhbshetty]

Bruh..trust me on this.If at all nuggets or heats win.These idiots will come up with a discussion about"What does it mean to Lakers as a franchise".That's how weak the media is

[@kmc10314]

At least JJ gave all the credits to Nuggets instead talking about the Lakers

[@PaKiKiNg908]

2:03 Russell Westbrook “what?” Meme lol

[@rdogletree4543]

D'Angelo Russell's performance reminds me of the Nick Anderson meltdown back in 95 vs Houston in the finals. I haven't seen anything like it in almost 30 years. There's no way they can bring him back after playing the way he played. Hopefully he can bounce back in the future but he was all-time horrid in this series.

[@sonnyjason2]

He’s horrendous

[@noodlemans]

You had to bring up Nick Anderson… I still think about those free throws.

[@Zulu-Lemon]

I think about the tantrum he had at the free throw line

[@rdogletree4543]

@@noodlemans Yeah that was awful for Nick, he never recovered from that either. He single handedly gave Orlando no shot at winning a game in that series.

[@rdogletree4543]

@@ceelobrown8606 He still has value so I'm sure they can make a trade. You're not gonna get a star for him but maybe some pieces that they are value in that others don't. Nobody expected Rui to do what he did for the Lakers before the trade and he turned out to be a steal. LeBron would love a guy or 2 that can catch and shoot.

[@galacticemperor8468]

This Lakers squad needs consistent perimeter shooting. These games were so close that it could have even been a 4-0 sweep in LA's favor if they could shoot the lights out like this Nuggets team can (realistically though the Nuggets would have adjusted and taken this to 6 or 7). Absolutely painful watching every Laker lead this series get blown outta the water by the Nuggets raining down back-to-back 3s. The Nuggets are just a more complete, cohesive team that can do everything you need them to do.

[@zb2584]

No

[@EricSmith-jo1lt]

Yepp, I know haters don't wanna accept it. Bt the fact the Lakers even MADE it this far, kicking the season off with 2-10, just Dances around the idea of what their capable of next year. Reaves, Rui, Schroed, Van all got a taste of it.... and that only tells me one thing... they're gonna want that AGAIN!!! So mark my words, come next year.... we'll be witnessing a different story

[@durangobasics6195]

Do you even see the way Lebron passess to shooters? They have to contort their bodies to catch the pass then come back to center then go up. When Jokic pasess to a shooter he passess it at chest level for a nice IN rhythm catch and shoot.

[@galacticemperor8468]

@@durangobasics6195 This entire Lakers squad passes higher or lower than normal. And usually to get the ball past defenders. Lebron changes the pass depending on what he wants the receiver to do next. He's played his whole career this way. Although I will concede that some like Schroder need to drastically improve their passing to lessen turnovers.

[@bob_WRLD]

Yeah nuggets surrounded jokic with 3nD players. Gordon, kcp, Murray, green, brown and mpj

[@kobelackin9270]

The fact they trynna make a sweep 😭😭😭 sound good

[@DefeatHuNNid]

That a nice sport coat 🧥, that boi JJ is a playa!!!😂 😆