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Reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 110-99 win against the LA Lakers on Wedensday. After doing so, Jokic showered the Lakers' superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with compliments.
In their first matchup of the season, the Nuggets were clearly the better team. Jokic shone brightly with a 30-point outing as he flirted with a triple-double with nine assists. The Lakers (0-4), on the other hand, struggled to make shots early. Their leader, James, had a rough shooting night and only started to make baskets in the second quarter.
Following the game, Jokic was asked about their gameplan for stopping Los Angeles. Surprisingly, the MVP praised the Lakers' All-Star duo and said they were focused on stopping them before anybody else.
"We were mental into the game. We know that LeBron is the best player in the planet," Jokic said. "He has AD with him, who is probably the second-most talented player in the world. We know who the main weapons are for them."
Denver's win stemmed from being the better team from the start. On paper, they have a more well-rounded roster than the Lakers. The Nuggets have more players who are reliable outside snipers. The team also has the reigning MVP leading them, who is a problem for most team to stop. Back in Denver's lineup are Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who both missed significant time last year.
The LA Lakers, on the other hand, are in dire need of shooters. The front office failed them over the summer and didn't land any shooters to help space the floor. Now, the fruits of their labor are being displayed as the Lakers continue to be a disaster.
Is Nikola Jokić better than Anthony Davis?
Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis have had different career paths. Jokic was selected with the 41st pick in 2014. Since then, he's slowly developed his game and is now the NBA's best center.
Davis started his career differently. He was the first pick in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets and has been an All-Star since his sophomore season. Individually, he accomplished a ton, but his team didn't have any success.
Jokic has won the MVP award twice and has led his team to the playoffs consistently. The Brow helped the Lakers to the 2020 title, but due to injuries and minimal playoff exposure, he hasn't really done anything by himself.
LA Lakers consistently crumbling in second half
The style of play that the Lakers have displayed has gotten people to watch them closely. Although they were able to keep the game close during the first half, they weren't able to keep up with the Nuggets.
The LA Lakers struggled to cover the Nuggets' shooters, allowing them to make open shots. Los Angeles is slower and lacks size and effort, which cost them. On defense, James and Davis looked winded and slower.
If they want to start getting wins, they should show more effort on defense and not allow shooters to have open looks.
