The Los Angeles Lakers were part of the biggest NBA trade in years and there is a great deal of excitement around them, but do they have what it takes to stop the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs?
Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think so, and he believes history will repeat itself if they face off in the postseason.
Speaking on “First Take,” Smith said the Lakers are “going home” if they battle the Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.
He recommended LA do everything they can to avoid seeing Nikola Jokic and his squad in the postseason.
“[If the Lakers] get Denver in the first round again, they’re going home.” 😳 @stephenasmith says the Lakers should “do everything they can” to avoid playing the Nuggets in the playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/bUKhK7J8vi
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 19, 2025
Any loyal Lakers fan would completely agree with Smith.
The Nuggets have had LA’s number for years and have defeated them multiple times in the playoffs and regular season.
A few years ago, the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals but were dismantled by the Nuggets.
Last season, they once again couldn’t muster the strength to get past Denver.
Again and again, the Nuggets have shown they have what it takes to stop the Lakers.
Of course, things have changed in LA recently and they now have Luka Doncic.
That will help their offensive output, but it could hurt the Lakers on defense, especially since Anthony Davis is gone.
That means the Lakers could have an even tougher time against Jokic and his team.
A Doncic-Jokic showdown would definitely pump up excitement and television ratings but it could be very bad news for the Lakers.
LA’s postseason odds haven’t been this strong in a long time but their fans are still very afraid of the Nuggets.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Reveals Who Won The Luka Doncic Trade
