Following the Nuggets’ sweep of the Lakers in last season’s Western Conference Finals, tensions escalated between the two teams both on and off the court.
On-court altercations, such as the one between LeBron James and Aaron Gordon, fueled the feud, but it was the verbal exchanges that truly ignited the rivalry.
in case you needed a reminder @KingJames pic.twitter.com/hFFW8TH6gQ
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 19, 2024
As the LA-Denver playoff rematch approaches, let’s revisit the key moments that fueled the Lakers-Nuggets rivalry:
MIKE MALONE LABELLED “THE LAKERS’ DADDY”
After the Nuggets’ victory over the Lakers in the conference finals, coach Michael Malone was jokingly introduced as “the Lakers’ daddy” during the championship parade.
MIKE MALONE TEASES LEBRON OVER RETIREMENT REMARKS
Following the Lakers’ defeat, LeBron James hinted at retirement, prompting Malone to mockingly announce his own retirement plans on The Pat McAfee Show.
LEBRON JAMES’ RESPONSE
LeBron indirectly responded to Malone’s comments on Instagram, asserting his dominance with a cryptic message.
Malone had previously worked as an assistant coach in Cleveland during LeBron’s tenure there.
ANTHONY DAVIS CRITICIZES DENVER’S TRASH TALK
Anthony Davis addressed the Nuggets’ trash talk, calling it motivational but also expressing eagerness to face them again in the new season.
MALONE FUELS THE FIRE
During training camp, Malone dismissed the Lakers’ continued focus on the Nuggets and emphasized his team’s readiness for the playoff rematch.
With animosity brewing between the two teams, the stage is set for an intense playoff showdown, starting with Game 1 on Saturday night.
READ MORE: Anthony Davis Connected to Knicks Amid Rumors of Major Lakers Shake-Up
