The Denver Nuggets have been the Los Angeles Lakers' kryptonite over the last couple of years. After the Lakers beat them 4-1 in the 2020 Western Conference Finals, they got their revenge in the next two playoff meetings.
Denver swept Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, eventually going on to win the title that season. It then defeated the Lakers 4-1 in the first round last year.
Nikola Jokic is a big reason why, as the three-time MVP has nearly averaged a triple-double in each of his last two playoff campaigns. The 6-foot-11, 284-pounder is already one of the NBA's all-time great centers.
Jokic hasn't slowed down this season, as he's averaging 29.1 points on 57.5 percent shooting with 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists. However, both the former second-round pick and fellow star Jamal Murray are out against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, via the team. Jokic has an elbow injury while Murray has left knee inflammation.
This comes just ahead of their matchup with Los Angeles on Wednesday, which is why Lakers fans are trolling the Nuggets on X, such as @LakeShowYo.
"Nuggets sitting out vs Warriors to get ready for Game 7 vs Lakers on Wednesday," the fan account said.
Nuggets sitting out vs Warriors to get ready for Game 7 vs Lakers on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/WdXKK1fK3c
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 18, 2025
"Game 7 coming up for Nuggets in a couple of days vs Lakers, they're preparing accordingly," one fan said.
"Not only do the Nuggets need to be investigated when all those players come back against the Lakers, but they should also lose some picks and Joker should be removed from the MVP conversation," another fan commented.
Denver is 2-1 vs. Los Angeles this season, and the last meeting was a 131-126 home win on Friday. However, LeBron James (groin) was out for the Lakers.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM.