Will the Lakers vs. Nuggets be more competitive than last season? | SportsCenter

Dave McMenamin joins SportsCenter to preview the Los Angeles Lakers' matchup with the Denver Nuggets in the First Round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
☑️ Subscribe to ESPN+: plus.espn.com/
📱Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
🏀 Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/2yxs3Og
☑️Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
☑️Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@Zaki-rv9me]

I respect the lakers for not running away from the nuggets 💯

[@felipeb.9321]

like they had a choice... OKC would run rings round the Flakers, they old a$$ would be gasping for breath 🤣🤣

[@aki2662]

​@@felipeb.9321Lakers would've swept OKC

[@aidenxccx2949]

@@felipeb.9321 Lakers is 3 - 1 against Thunder but okay LMAO

[@SparkzMSparkzMusik19]

It's ain't the same year lakers in 7

[@wesleycuban8649]

@@felipeb.9321crackhead in the comment section guys

[@ashez45ify]

Calling Jamal Murray a role player is MF disrespectful!!

[@churchboi9953]

He a star… not a super… And Lakers aka Lebron is box office… Denver is not… No one cares about Denver but Denver lol

[@ashez45ify]

@@churchboi9953 and folks who actually love the game… let’s not leave that out!

[@ashez45ify]

@thetruthofChristwillneverbesto talent.. yes super star talent.. way above role player

[@_vair_]

Lmao “no one cares about Denver” just say you don’t know ball and move on 😂

[@UnivalentpureG]

Facts,

[@riveenwickenham8392]

Ad NEEDS to be big in this series, if he disappears we have no chance

[@robertduran6038]

YOU HAVE NO CHANCE..LOL

[@zackbutlala]

AD and D Lo won’t show up. Your done ✅

[@JohnnytNatural]

He's hurt and LeBron is old, if they get 3 days off in between games, LA has a shot

[@zackbutlala]

@@JohnnytNatural 😂😂😂say that again so I can laugh im lakers fan I know they got no shot

[@DiscoverPhilippines_]

There's no big body to go against Jokic. When they won the bubble tournament vs Denver they had Howard and Mcgee to be physical with Jokic. Believe it or not, banging with Jokic with an undersized C/PF body will drain Davis offensively.

[@taguro1006]

Give the refs TWO whistles each cuz they gona blow that thing x100 vs denver for sho.

[@felipeb.9321]

no lies...

[@selwynandrews7716]

@@felipeb.9321 Well the nuggets give up the 20th most FTA and the draw the 18th most...meanwhile the Lakers draw the 2 most FTAs and only give up the 2nd fewest. So yea, no lies...but it's legit. Yall act like the refs be giving the lakers extra calls. They dont even give them all the calls they should get.

[@cmc2110]

Excuses already

[@Procanin]

@@selwynandrews7716Lakers don’t draw, are given is the term.

[@ScottieSavedMJsCareer]

​@Procanin they are actually getting fouled 😅

[@Kim-zd4sq]

Since Jan 9 2023, Nuggets have beaten the Lakers 8 times in a row; they’ve double sweeped them. If they can sweep again, they’ll extend that to 12 games

[@TaiyouArt]

Oooff… that’s dad status

[@Young-ep8ik]

If Murray comes down to earth and lebron keeps his shooting form it can be a 6 game series

[@chriskuhn6130]

I agree, the Lakers could stretch it out to 6 with the right circumstances.

[@thegoat2874]

6 game series with Denver winning

[@Young-ep8ik]

@@thegoat2874 of course, no sane person would pick the lakers. But I can see them winning 1-3!home games unlike in WCF. I would not say impossible but there’s maybe 3% chance they force G7 AND win it on the road. So Denver still the prohibitive favorite

[@chriskuhn6130]

@@thegoat2874 Yeah, that's really what I meant they could stretch it to. I don't see LA winning the series. I've been wrong before, but I don't think so this time.

[@PullinMyOwn]

Playoff Murray doesn’t “come down”. That’s just who he is. But that’s all asking for everything to go the Lakers way just to lose in 6

[@DaveBtm998]

Their reward for playing so well will be a nice clean sweep from Denver 😂

[@Davechappelle445]

Nah denver in 6

[@junson3209]

Adam Silver will make sure Lakers get at least 30 ft per game

[@selwynandrews7716]

Lakers in 6 and they taking Game 1. Stop living in the past

[@aidenxccx2949]

@@junson3209 LOL stop crying

[@SparkzMSparkzMusik19]

Lakers in 5

[@RavenTheFurious]

I have faith! Win or loose. I’m happy I can watch another playoff series with the lakers in it. Been a fan for 20+ years. I have no complaints!!!!

[@brande2614]

That last clip of joker being guarded by Russel and reaves whike ad is watching is wild

[@mathewdavis2427]

Might be a competitive sweep

[@Kitchen374]

We only talking about the sweep. They were all competitive games. Bron said the game finna go to 1 or 2 possessions and that's true.

[@chriskuhn6130]

@Kitchen374 Did you watch any Nuggets games this year even? There's competition, and there's truly competitive. Every team in the league has off games or games they aren't really trying at. The Celtics are a glass cannon, imho, and they tore through the east. Split with LA, but lost both times to Denver. I'm looking forward to these playoffs so much.

[@qco1414]

Lakers had DOUBLE free throw than the pelicans, the NBA is rigged.

[@hoseapigram4086]

Lakers in 6

[@chriskuhn6130]

@hoseapigram4086 I'm just flabbergasted by the Lakers crowd thinking this outright. If there's an injury that takes any starter on either team out, the odds change significantly. In a perfect world, we'd see both teams at full health. My guess is Nuggets in 5, but who knows what the f happens until they're on the court.

[@urbaindelva7869]

The series between them last year was competitive even though it was a sweep in favor of Denver, so yes, it can be competitive. However, runs and late-game execution has been the difference between these teams in favor of the Nuggets from what I've seen. For that reason, Nuggets in 5 at worst, 6 at best.

[@arminhashtroodi8432]

Yeah and interestingly this year Lakers have been actually super clutch in late game situations. If we include this game against the pelicans they are 5-1 when the game is within a few points. I wonder if that was their biggest weakness last year and so I'm hopeful this stat is what gives them a chance to beat Denver

[@micatrsic8762]

hard fought are you kidding the referees artificially left the Lakers alive!!!

[@micatrsic8762]

Playoffs lakers nuggets FT 2023 FT game 1 26:22 for lakers FT game 2 26:18 for lakers FT game 3 29:19 for lakers FT game 4 26:22 for lakers Play In Pelicans Lakers FT 2024 29 :15 for Lakers referees will make it so that the Lakers advance and Denver should sue the NBA for something like that!!

[@lewishonda961]

Nikola JOKIC is so happy

[@TheMrAineas1]

AG getting the 🗜️ ready

[@TheKingOfAllTrades]

Two words: DENVER NUGGETS 💪🏽

[@kachoww5981]

Two words: Cancun Tickets🤣🤣🤣

[@dale444ify]

We barely beat the Pels we’ll see what happens

[@yujohnny8256]

Lakers still don't have enough shooting to keep up with the nuggets. Even the lakers played very good defense, Murray and Porter are still going to kill them on the perimeter. They need dlo and reeves to step up big time.

[@ryanr20091]

we willl seee gabe vincent will be put on him and hes known for good defense to at least slow Murray down from scoring 30. also this year the lakers are much better at making threes

[@ScottieSavedMJsCareer]

The lakers shoot a better 3pt percentage. The lakers have the 2 best 3pt shooters. The lakers have a player with the 10th most 3s made/the 51st/56th/69th and 92th. Denver has a player at 12/65/91. 😅

[@yujohnny8256]

@@ScottieSavedMJsCareer It don't matter if they can't do it against the nuggets.

[@ScottieSavedMJsCareer]

@@yujohnny8256 yeah well we won't know that until the games are played.

[@micatrsic8762]

The Lakers win this with the help of the referees

[@therealdave22]

This is the Lakers best chance meeting them now when everyone is somewhat healthy and role players have momentum.

[@TaiyouArt]

Good warmup round for the champs coming here

[@anthonygarcia-zt6fq]

Denver is too big. And AD can’t guard Jokic unfortunately. Denver in 6

[@nemajabakic4546]

Why disrespect Denver so much

[@micatrsic8762]

The Lakers win this with the help of the referees

[@TripleG12398]

heck yeah! they will most definitely be more competitive even though it already has been competitive!

[@swaggersonchannel7255]

Joker got this

[@obeyquis17]

If Lebron and co beat this team he’s the best ever no debate

[@tsipatos6532]

time for redemption

[@PACNYY]

Maybe, but I think DEN will win the series 4-1.

[@mvpfocus]

Probably about right. I have them getting swept again. But you have to at least accidentally win against the same opponent every now and again.

[@RR-in7do]

Good call bro

[@loonsfcy]

People are quick to call the sweep last year not mentioning that the games were 2 1/2 possessions differentials and was competitive

[@nemajabakic4546]

Only 4th game was competitive you seem to forget that in all others 5 minutes before the end it was duble digits lead for Denver. They never beat opponents 20 difference, there is a reason Jokić is efficiency merchant because he and his team plays just enough

[@cmatava660]

Y’all keep counting Denver out, Lebum and the Lakers about to be swept

[@crazyliljoe]

I would start Hayes with AD. The Nuggets are big and my Lakers have no shot unless they play big.

[@Cheif_Espada]

The “others” for Denver play too well consistently. Murray goes ballistic. It’s not just Jocic. Lebron and AD can ball out but 3-7 on their rotation have to play the best series of their lives

[@raycutler2524]

Fr, imo this is the hardest team and matchup for the lakers. They can beat anyone else if they beat the nuggets

[@Majaa4L]

@@raycutler2524 factual if the lakers win against the nuggets they getting the chip

[@micatrsic8762]

More free throws for Lakers with the help of the referee is the conclusion for the Lakers

[@alvin081988]

Nuggets in 5... There's not much this stacked Team can do vs the Nuggets

[@micatrsic8762]

The Lakers win this with the help of the referees

[@VinayakPande53]

Why is all of social media filled with these Lakers in four comments? LA has lost eight straight games to the Nuggets including the playoffs.

[@SmokeNMirrors600]

lol don’t act like the lakers didn’t own the nuggets before these last 8 games when lakers won in bubble didn’t they beat the nuggets in six oh ok lol it’s even I can go back to Kobe days too if you want me too

[@krisxchirbas9503]

​@@SmokeNMirrors600that history is cute and all, but the nuggets own them now

[@levisupremacy227]

​@@SmokeNMirrors600Im a lakers fan but the only reason we won was because of how much of a juggernaut our team was and dwights d on jokic. They are heavily above us righ now and we can only hope everyone shows up.

[@animalanecdotesaffair]

Haha delusional fans! They struggled to defeat the team led by Zion. Smh

[@TaiyouArt]

@@levisupremacy227 Lakers shoulda kept Dwight. Whoops

[@moderndaydalisay]

AD stated he has some kind injury don’t ask about it after getting hit with a three bomb from jokic

[@jrich5682]

Just saw a sick Jokic centaur tarot card shirt on Etsy lololol

[@dasfx2895]

Ya bought it? 😮

[@themightyruler1319]

Real lakers fans know we dodged a bullet with that Zion injury 😆 If Vando was healthy I think we might be able to win a couple games In this series, but without him or any real perimeter defenders we are getting roasted. Hoping for a miracle

[@ryanr20091]

vando was there last year and was a non factor against the nuggets

[@cclin25]

It depends on how much free throw the Ref will give LAL

[@proudlakerfan]

First game - Ring ceremony Second game - Kobe statue Third game - Lebron record No special ceremonies in the playoffs so maybe Lakers can win those games. LOL. All those games were close though until the end when Denver would hit ridiculous shots. Hopefully, they'll stop hitting them in the playoffs.

[@kanyewestbank9677]

Hopefully they won’t stop hitting those crazy shots so the world can watch the lakers fans cry 😂

[@novakgolubovic9635]

4-1 for Denver

[@RR-in7do]

Nice call

[@skhetan1]

Although it was a sweep the individual games last year were competitive

[@micatrsic8762]

hahaha are you kidding the lakers free throws with hikfe from the referee helped lakers

[@awesomeninja234]

Another sweep

[@MavieMotoAdventure]

If The D' Angelo Russel Average This Series At 20 Points And 5 Three's, Then We Have A shot To Win This Series

[@edwardjohn1116]

The Nuggets have another switch that they can hit and when that happens usually other teams can't keep up , Time Shall Tell if the Lakers can , and hopefully they don't get help from the officials and get more Free Throws , and a good game is called !

[@KaYnBaE]

Lakers Nuggets - Mouth watering first round. If AD and D LO can play their A game then I think we have a chance to beat them.

[@micatrsic8762]

yes because the referees always give you 10 more free throws than Denver

[@VRUPowerGe2]

J.M. unleashed

[@bruyeretv]

No Vando, but instead we got two guards: Dinwiddie and Gabe Vincent? I don't like the looks of this lol

[@ThePenitentSquirrel]

Tne Lakers haven't won a single game against the Nuggets since 2022 and the Nuggets are 8-0 since then.

[@twincitydezray]

Jokic is just too big and skilled with all those hook shots. And he spaces the floor with his 3 point shot. I'm not looking forward to facing them round 1 as a Laker fan.

[@chriskuhn6130]

Respect to you, from a Nuggets fan, I'm seeing some bonkers comments from LA fans. Any team can lose, but over 7 games I'll take the nugs.

[@user-jm8bj1hd3d]

@@chriskuhn6130 but it aint gon be a sweep. thats for sure.

[@AllMenMustServe]

@@chriskuhn6130 I'm a Lakers fan too. And I'm telling you rn, none of us non delusional Lakers fans think we're gonna win. Some might have hope, but deep down we know we won't. Finally, why the F did y'all lose to the Spurs man? I wanted to see at least 10 games from my Lakers in the playoffs... now I'm in for 4 of them, luckily 5 😑😑

[@chriskuhn6130]

@@user-jm8bj1hd3d I mean, we'll see. I'm not a betting man, the games have to be played.

[@chriskuhn6130]

@@AllMenMustServe It was a personal attack on YOU! Haha

[@tr377723]

DENVER IN 4 🧹🧹🧹🧹 THEY'VE LOST TO THE NUGGETS 8 STRAIGHT TIMES. THEY HAVE NO ANSWER FOR THE JOKER!

[@justhere6507]

It definitely will bare minimum this goes to 6 games but I think it really might be lakers in 7

[@315giants]

ya not gonna mention the lakers out free throwed the nuggets ya mentioned LA had a better fg and efficiency percentage why not mention how they had more free throw attempts aswell ...ahhh musta slipped ya mind huh

[@churchboi9953]

You don’t. Think Lebron gets fouls most of the time when he goes to the cup and they don’t call it ?

[@jacobwilkie241]

@@churchboi9953 He travels more than he gets fouled and he carries more times than he gets fouled and he barrels over defenders more than he gets fouled but they never gets called for offensive fouls so it's give and take

[@ztw2002]

Lakers 0-4 , calling it now

[@marlong4212]

Lakers in 5 gentlemen sweep 🧹

[@robertduran6038]

LOL.. DADDY GONNA CLAP THOSE CHEEKS AGAIN

[@TriniBoy1984]

Lakers 😂 will get some serious whopping, but they will show heart and go to game 5. 1 win for lakers

[@TaiyouArt]

0-8 is tuff

[@carlosiverson3857]

Nuggets HC Already told u guys

[@chilldoc9638]

0-8

[@eddiejohnson5078]

Lakers should of signed another big for Joker.

[@purplekushdabz2255]

Let's be real here. If Zion didn't get injured with 3 minutes left New Orleans was winning that game. They had no answer for him. I almost feel like Zion through the game after he hit 40 points. And I'm a Lakers fan. But that dude had a monster game last night

[@pg13pacernation30]

This going to be battle for sure but I feel like Lakers just don’t have enough to contain the Nuggets but hey maybe I am wrong anything can happen in the playoffs

[@terze2226]

It was competitive last year nuggets just squeezed out the Ws

[@micatrsic8762]

yes with refeeres 😂😂

[@TriniBoy1984]

Lets be real. As a lakers fan 😢, we will get our booties roasted against the nuggets. However, it will not be a sweep. We will grab at least 1 game 😂 🙏.

[@TriniBoy1984]

@thetruthofChristwillneverbesto 😆 🤣 😂 u right on

[@brande2614]

They don’t guard them at all

[@smile4me844]

The Lakers heading to the Slaughter house.

[@cardsforthelongrun]

lol ESPN, now show the defensive efficiency since Feb 1... Lakers bottom of the barrel. ESPN always cherry picks the data to make Lebron and the Lakers seem better than reality.

[@farainyika2365]

superstar role player???

[@just4thoughts414]

laker will win this series, if hachimura will take on jokic, like how t-lue take on iverson. just bothering jokic. jokic will still score thats a given but bothering him everytime making him work harder that will work on Lakers side.

[@lezterRNB]

If the Lakers win against Denver, for sure these haters would just whine and cry about "refs/ft disparity bs" Haters will really look for any lame bs excuse just to justify their hate. Like what they say, Haters gonna Hate, I guess. 🤷🤷🤷

[@micatrsic8762]

Playoffs lakers nuggets FT 2023 FT game 1 26:22 for lakers FT game 2 26:18 for lakers FT game 3 29:19 for lakers FT game 4 26:22 for lakers Play In Pelicans Lakers FT 2024 29 :15 for Lakers referees will make it so that the Lakers advance and Denver should sue the NBA for something like that!!

[@gabriellerobles2168]

lakers will smash the nuggets!! mark my word

[@roevanursal9600]

LAKERS at 6 🔥

[@user-dm8oi4tx7z]

Nuggets will win the series in Game 1, first quarter

[@jcabram9002]

If those circus shots from Jokic don’t go in like last season (I truly believe some of them were lucky), Lakers have a better chance this year because despise being number 8 seed, I think this Lakers team is better than last year.

[@kingimmanuel3411]

Who's your Daddy😂😂😂

[@benpierre3827]

We sending Denver home early believe that

[@TiggerLyOne]

What's the point/difference if Lakers lost in 7 instead of 5? I think the team is ready to win, but the organization isn't. Pelinka would likely to switch things around and Lakers will start over again next season and end up another lower seed at best.

[@DavidAlvarez-nc1wf]

Lakers in 6!!!

[@bartolomy01]

Lakers ain't scared of no team. We bleed purple and gold. We are not bandwagon fans just like other teams have. We solid.

[@matthewcade4249]

Did someone dare you to comment that

[@bartolomy01]

@@matthewcade4249 I'm assuming your a bandwagon fan lol

[@yolandamejia8881]

Lmfao now the lakers narrative is can they be competitivo 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@deandresteeleel1583]

Denver 12 - LA 0 for the SWEEP SEASON

[@KCM316]

Lakers blew a 20 point lead and if Zion did not get injuried the lakers would’ve lost can’t do that Vs Denver.

[@hectorarguelles1596]

Huge free throw disparity, Zion exits the game. Just to win by 4pts.

[@user-dm8oi4tx7z]

05:24 better off. efficiency because they played crappier teams compared to Denver

[@awesomeninja234]

Talk shows will make excuses for the Lakers when they lose. I can already see it happening. People will even say the Lakers can win this series, even though any reasonable person knows the Nuggets are way better.

[@Flare8124]

The hell are you talking about, everyone was saying LA should lose on purpose to avoid Denver and even Shannon Sharpe was saying Denver would win, you obviously don't even watch those talk shows lol

[@ryanr20091]

why havent they blown the lakers out if they are way better .

[@Procanin]

The refs didn’t give the Lakers enough free throws

[@stace5232]

Lakers in 6

[@micatrsic8762]

yes the referees will do it again

[@eddieespinosa2880]

L8KRS about to be bounced in 5. Nuggets about to SMACK them down again.

[@isprikitikburkabush6200]

Its not gon be a sweep but Denver will win

[@eddardstark6179]

This dummy laughed last year at the notion that the nuggets will win 😂😂😂😂

[@user-mx3hu5lm7q]

they tried to lose but the refs got used to make them win

[@AdonisNineteen99]

Bro😂 All the LA Glazers are 'hoping' to lose in Game 6 instead of a sweep... that's hilarious!

[@oacarc6032]

Lakers win in game 6 and go on to win this year championship

[@JohnFisherjpec]

I commend the lakers for trudging towards certain death…admirable. Alfred Lord Tennison. They know whats waiting for them m, and yet, they must push on to the L. 😂

[@kelnazzi3407]

Jokic owns that black man Lebum

[@thegoat2874]

Nuggets in 4

[@micatrsic8762]

Playoffs lakers nuggets FT 2023 FT game 1 26:22 for lakers FT game 2 26:18 for lakers FT game 3 29:19 for lakers FT game 4 26:22 for lakers Play In Pelicans Lakers FT 2024 29 :15 for Lakers referees will make it so that the Lakers advance and Denver should sue the NBA for something like that!!

[@densyoh]

last year’s finals games were close…it was the Denver bench that made the difference. Now they dont have that bench…Laker in 6

[@chriskuhn6130]

Y'all are delusional, yeah Uncle Jeff was a biiiiig difference maker! Whatever. Watch the games, I'll eat my shoes if Nuggets lose.

[@jrich5682]

Its a slight concern for them, but they still beat the lakers all year anway

[@Flare8124]

@@chriskuhn6130 If DLo can actually hit shots instead of getting benched Lakers have a good chance

[@chriskuhn6130]

@Flare8124 8 in a row, buddy, swept in the conf finals. I'll believe it when I see it. Lakers are old and I'll be shocked if AD plays all the games, even still...

[@KCM316]

@@chriskuhn6130to say nuggets don’t have bench players is ridiculous i swear to you braun and Watson will come up big in these games.

[@jrod132]

The Lakers beats NO only to get clapped by Denver in 5 games

[@fanfan9748]

Media narrative already begun. Lakers sure have figured out this time!

[@ScottieSavedMJsCareer]

Lakers in 3

[@Because_Truth_Matters]

Damian Lillard has been acting and if I am Golden State I would be recruiting Giannis as soon as Dame leaves. The Lakers should try to pair Giannis with AD too. Unless Steph is ok with not winning another ring.

[@wintermalerkey6830]

Well can't say who will win them. I can only say that the Lakers will struggle in Denver. Denver has more talent and legit players than the Lakers. Another thing is that they should take care of Lebron's flops because that is one of his weapons, although it is an illegal technique, but it is popular with the referees.

[@soumpanda3643]

Nuggets in 3. Lakers forefeit game 4

[@1-TamadPartylist]

Nuggets in 1

[@felipeb.9321]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 hilarious. best comment on here

[@dujematosic4051]

DENVER IN 4

[@UnlockingHearts]

Lakers 2024 champs for Kobe!

[@warriorelete]

the 2020 championship was for kobe. he passed away that year, they drop all black kobe jersey, and lebron literally said for kobe that year

[@felipeb.9321]

Flakers lose in 5, despite all the ghost fouls called by the refs against the Nuggets.

[@xinor0435]

the lakers haven't beaten the nuggets since last season... during the regular season in 2022-23. I'm surprised the lakers didn't beat the nuggets at all during the regular season, because if they couldn't do that, I think they are gonna get swept by the nuggets in the 1st round.

[@urbaindelva7869]

Regular season does not determine postseason.

[@xinor0435]

@@urbaindelva7869 yes but what worries me is that they are still not gonna have enough star-power to beat the nuggets

[@xinor0435]

@@urbaindelva7869 literally ad couldnt guard jokic throughout that whole series, when he tried his hardest, still couldn't do it.

[@TonyBrasfield-xn2zh]

Been a Lakers fan sinc 72 until they took Bron ! Nuggets gonna dig them out ! Unless it's a fix !

[@DerrickWhite-yh3ip]

You’re one of da few Lakers fans I can respect

[@joeymanny]

Lakers is really improving and they knwo their roles, they can close out some games and ALl of them carried lebron in critical times. With that said Nuggets in 4 and its not even close

[@williambarclay6050]

Lakers in 5