Nuggets host LeBron James, Lakers in possible final Denver showdown
If you’d advised Nuggets followers that when the calendar flipped to March, the Nuggets can be battling for the fifth spot, you’d in all probability guess the fifth spot in one thing like Marc Stein’s energy rankings. Nope. Fifth in the Western Conference.
And if they are not cautious in the house matchup towards their bitter rivals and neighbors in the standings, they may find yourself wanting up on the Lakers and LeBron, and everybody else they’d need to go on the highway to face when the playoffs begin. A no person proposition thought may very well be doubtless when the season started.
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The sixth seed ought to by no means have been a thought. But right here we’re, solely a half-game forward of the Lakers. The recent run of clutch losses has actually packed up, and the Nuggets must course-correct over their final 20 video games in the event that they need to host a first-round matchup.
The Lakers have their eyes on a Nugget in free company
It may be the final recreation LeBron James performs in Denver, a minimum of with the Lakers. But maybe eternally if he decides to lastly retire after his jersey quantity, moderately than chase free company or re-sign with the Lakers. All three choices are on the desk this summer season for the 23-year veteran.
The Lakers will not simply be courting LeBron if he decides to check the free agent market. They’ve additionally been ceaselessly talked about through all sorts of rumors targeting Peyton Watson. He’ll fortunately be restricted, and the Nuggets could have the possibility to match any supply he receives.
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But the Lakers’ new owner has deep pocketsand he is prepared to spend to win. He owns the back-to-back MLB Champion Dodgers. Not precisely an important spot for a second-apron adjoining 2026-27 Nuggets group to get into what would flip right into a bidding warfare for the gifted younger star.
How will Joker’s wrist reply with relaxation?
Nikola Jokic’s wrist has clearly been bothering him. The Nuggets final performed in Utah towards the Jazz, and the Joker was proven whereas on the bench getting work carried out on his wrist. Plus, he had a bag of ice resting on it, too.
It’s not hurting sufficient to make him miss any time or present up on the damage report, however it’s sufficient of a hindrance that it is costing him his taking pictures. Jokic’s area purpose proportion is all the way down to 48% from a profession mark of 56%, and he is taking pictures a sub-par 30% from three-point vary.
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The Joker’s nonetheless 26-14-9 over his final 13 video games, when he returned from a 16-game absence on account of a knee damage. He’s been annoyed, and he hasn’t looked like what we’re used to seeing out of the Joker.
There are 20 video games to go. That must be sufficient time to get each the three-time MVP Jokic and the Nuggets again as much as a minimum of the 4 seed, and a house playoff spherical. If not, the highway will just be that much more tough.
This article was initially revealed on www.nugglove.com as Nuggets host LeBron James, Lakers in possible final Denver showdown.
