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The LA Lakers and LeBron James are currently down 3-0 to the Denver Nuggets with their championship aspirations rapidly fading. While the team has hopes of coming back from their 3-0 deficit, the odds are certainly against them. Given that Denver currently holds an 11-game win streak over the Lakers, many are wondering if this is the best team LeBron James has ever faced in the playoffs.
Given that the team captured a title in the 2022-23 season, and has seemingly picked up right where they left off, the situation has created quite a bit of debate. While James has played some incredible teams in the playoffs throughout his career, sweeps in back-to-back years would certainly be stunning.
Given that, let's take a look at the five best teams LeBron James has faced in the NBA playoffs, not including the current Denver Nuggets team.
Five best teams LeBron James has faced in the NBA playoffs
#5: 2007 San Antonio Spurs
The 2007 San Antonio Spurs finished the regular season with a record of 58-24. The team ran through the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz In the playoffs, while only dropping four total games.
When the team met a young LeBron James in the finals, the Spurs swept the team in four straight games to capture an NBA title.
#4: 2016 Golden State Warriors
While LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Golden State Warriors, their regular season record of 73-9 made them one of the greatest teams of all time.
Of course, as NBA fans from the 90s may remember when the Chicago Bulls finished the regular season with a 72-10 record. That iconic '95-'96 Chicago Bulls campaign originated the quote, "It don't mean a thing without the ring!"
#3: 2014 San Antonio Spurs
The 2014 San Antonio Spurs did what many thought was impossible, defeat the big three Miami Heat of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The feat was a remarkable display of chemistry and coaching, with the Spurs winning the series 4-1.
While the Spurs' big three of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan were past their respective primes, the team was aided by Kawhi Leonard, who won Finals MVP.
#2: 2023 Denver Nuggets
Last season, the Denver Nuggets swept the LA Lakers to crush the team's championship hopes. After defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns, the Nuggets dominated the Lakers en route to their first title in franchise history.
The season and subsequent postseason saw Nikola Jokic cement himself as one of the best players in the NBA, with LA showing they had no answer for The Joker.
#1: 2017 Golden State Warriors
After losing to the Lakers in the 2016 Finals, the Warriors, aided by Kevin Durant, answered back in a big way the following season. The team went undefeated through the first three rounds of the playoffs before then dropping just one game to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
To date, the Big Three Warriors, with the addition of Kevin Durant, remain one of the best NBA teams of all time.
