The Los Angeles Lakers may have their minds focused on the Denver Nuggets this week, but Denver coach Michael Malone believes that the defending NBA champions hold nothing but respect for his team. According to Malone, the Lakers have turned the page from their Western Conference finals sweep by the Nuggets. Malone was asked about the Lakers’ recent comments regarding his team and their motivation fueled by trash talk from him and the Nuggets during the summer. He responded by saying, “If they’re still worried about us, that’s on them. This is a new season, a new challenge.” Despite the 4-0 sweep, Malone acknowledges the close games and the tremendous respect he and his team have for the Lakers.
The season opener between the Nuggets and Lakers on October 24th is anticipated to be an intense matchup. Lakers star Anthony Davis revealed during media day that the trash talk from the Nuggets after their sweep of the Lakers served as motivation for him and LeBron James. Davis mentioned that there was a lot of talk from the Nuggets, but they are eager to play them again and prove themselves. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming game and potentially sets the stage for a fierce rivalry between the two teams.
During the Western Conference finals, Malone felt that the narrative focused more on the Lakers than his Nuggets. Despite reaching the conference finals, Malone believed his team was overshadowed, just as he anticipated the Miami Heat would overshadow them in the Finals. However, Malone made it clear that the Nuggets were still playing while the Lakers had gone fishing. The Lakers’ dominance in the media during the conference finals sparked some tension and created a chip on the Nuggets’ shoulders.
In an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Malone jokingly mentioned retirement after the Nuggets’ win, much like LeBron James had done during the offseason. The Nuggets’ victory parade saw Malone being introduced as “the Lakers’ daddy,” a playful jab at the team that had seemingly overshadowed them. Former Nuggets forward Bruce Brown also weighed in, stating that he always felt confident that they would not lose any game against the Lakers in the conference finals. These playful jabs and mind games between the two teams further accentuate the growing tension.
The Lakers were well aware of the Nuggets’ comments during and after the conference finals. Lakers swingman Austin Reaves acknowledged the indirect trash talk from the Nuggets, suggesting that it was apparent to the public eye. Even LeBron James took to Instagram, posting a cryptic message insinuating that he was always on the Nuggets’ minds. Despite these exchanges, both teams are preparing for the new season and trying to leave last season’s results behind.
Although the Lakers and the Nuggets have faced each other twice in the Western Conference finals since 2020, Malone does not consider it a rivalry. He believes that playing a team in the conference finals twice does not necessarily make it a rivalry. Malone mentions legendary rivalries like Boston-L.A. and the Knicks-Miami Heat, suggesting that those matchups had true rivalry status. However, Malone remains open to the idea of a rivalry with the Lakers, leaving the door open for a potential heated competition between the two teams.
As the Nuggets receive their championship rings and raise their championship banner before facing the Lakers in the season opener, it marks a symbolic end to last season and a fresh start for both teams. Regardless of whether a true rivalry develops, the anticipation surrounding this matchup and the history between the Lakers and Nuggets sets the stage for a compelling and highly anticipated game. Both teams will undoubtedly bring their A-game as they look to prove themselves and establish dominance in the Western Conference.
Overall, the Lakers’ respect for the Nuggets, fueled by motivated trash talk, along with the playful banter and mind games between the two teams, create an intriguing dynamic heading into the new season. While the rivalry may not have fully blossomed, there is potential for it to grow as both teams continue to clash in the Western Conference. As the Nuggets prepare to defend their title and the Lakers aim to reclaim their throne, their matchups promise exciting basketball and intense competition. The stage is set for an ongoing battle between the Lakers and Nuggets, and only time will tell if it evolves into a true rivalry.
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