The Nuggets and the Lakers are set to face off for the second time in four seasons in the Western Conference Finals, with a lot having changed since their last meeting in the Orlando Bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. LeBron James is now older and the NBA's all-time leading scorer, Anthony Davis has missed a lot of time, Nikola Jokic has become a multi-time MVP, and Jamal Murray missed two postseasons due to injury.
In 2023, there is no Bubble, and the Nuggets are the #1 seed with a legitimate home court advantage in the altitude. They defied expectations by defeating the new-look Suns in 6 games, and they are now healthy and hungry to gain the respect they deserve after being the best team in the West all year.
Meanwhile, the Lakers completely turned their season around since the February trade deadline, going from 13th place to the Play-In Tournament and upsetting the higher-seeded Grizzlies and the defending NBA champion Warriors. Darvin Ham has done an excellent job with his new roster, and the Lakers suddenly find themselves in position to contend for their 2nd NBA championship in the last four seasons.
Denver and LA haven't played each other since January, so it's going to be a whole new dynamic. They split the season series 2-2, adding an extra level of excitement to the matchup.
As the last two teams standing in the West, the NBA Finals are just four wins away.
It's SHOWTIME!
-------------------------VS-------------------------
TV:
Projected Lineups :
In 2023, there is no Bubble, and the Nuggets are the #1 seed with a legitimate home court advantage in the altitude. They defied expectations by defeating the new-look Suns in 6 games, and they are now healthy and hungry to gain the respect they deserve after being the best team in the West all year.
Meanwhile, the Lakers completely turned their season around since the February trade deadline, going from 13th place to the Play-In Tournament and upsetting the higher-seeded Grizzlies and the defending NBA champion Warriors. Darvin Ham has done an excellent job with his new roster, and the Lakers suddenly find themselves in position to contend for their 2nd NBA championship in the last four seasons.
Denver and LA haven't played each other since January, so it's going to be a whole new dynamic. They split the season series 2-2, adding an extra level of excitement to the matchup.
As the last two teams standing in the West, the NBA Finals are just four wins away.
It's SHOWTIME!
-------------------------VS-------------------------
TV:
Projected Lineups :
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