Tuesday's rivalry week bout between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets was the latest addition to the recently popular feud.
But the 115-107 comeback win in favor of the Lakers wasn't just about two Western Conference contenders; it was another encounter between LeBron James and Nikola Jokic, who was out with a knee injury.
What makes the clash between two greats so important? The history the two share from the 2024 Olympics, where the American and Serbian teams battled in one of the best games in the history of the sport.
The game, along with much of Jokic's success, made the Serbian big man one of James' favorite rivals. During Tuesday's game, James took the time to embrace Jokic on Denver's bench.
MORE:LeBron James shrugs off prospect of missing first All-Star Game in 21 seasons
LeBron praises Jokic, reflects on Olympics
Both having won multiple MVP awards, the two are in rarified air, and James acknowledged that while reflecting on Paris.
"It's the utmost respect," James said postgame. "Jokic is one of the greatest to ever play this game. For me to see him and go over and pay my respect, that's easy.
"It's one of the greatest games I ever played in. I played in a lot of great games ... that ranks right up there with some of the greatest games I've ever played in. I'll never forget that one."
More NBA news: