Lakers Beware! Stephen A. Smith Says Nuggets Are a Playoff Threat.
As the NBA season heats up and teams jockey for playoff positioning, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has issued a stark warning to the Los Angeles Lakers: avoid the Denver Nuggets at all costs. Speaking on First Take, Smith emphasized that the reigning NBA champions pose the biggest threat to the Lakers’ postseason success.
A Familiar Foe
The Lakers and Nuggets have a budding rivalry, with Denver having eliminated Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals via a dominant 4-0 sweep. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets have continued to establish themselves as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Their combination of elite talent, depth, and cohesion makes them a formidable adversary for any contender.
Smith’s Warning to the Lakers
“If the Lakers want to make a deep playoff run, they better hope they don’t see Denver early,” Smith declared. He pointed out that Jokić’s all-around game, coupled with the scoring and defensive prowess of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., makes the Nuggets an incredibly difficult team to beat.
Smith also highlighted the Lakers’ struggles against Denver in recent matchups. “Let’s call it what it is. The Nuggets OWN the Lakers right now. They swept them last year, and every time they meet, Denver looks like the better team,” he added.
Do the Lakers Stand a Chance?
Despite the warning, the Lakers have made key adjustments this season. LeBron James continues to play at an elite level, Anthony Davis remains a defensive anchor, and the supporting cast, including D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, has shown flashes of promise. However, consistency has been an issue, and facing a well-oiled machine like the Nuggets in a seven-game series would be a daunting challenge.
For the Lakers to have a shot, they will need to address their defensive weaknesses, improve their three-point shooting, and ensure their stars remain healthy. Smith believes that while anything is possible with LeBron James on the court, Denver’s overall dominance makes them the worst possible matchup for the Lakers.
Final Thoughts
With the playoffs looming, the Lakers will need to navigate their way through a treacherous Western Conference. Whether they can avoid the Nuggets or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Stephen A. Smith sees Denver as the ultimate roadblock to any championship aspirations for Los Angeles. Only time will tell if the Lakers can change the narrative and finally get the best of their Mile High nemesis.
