Will the Lakers Overcome the Nuggets in the NBA Playoffs This Season?

As I settle in to watch another thrilling NBA playoff series, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Los Angeles Lakers can finally overcome the Denver Nuggets this postseason. Having followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen rivalries ebb and flow, but this one feels especially personal. The Nuggets have had the Lakers’ number recently, and breaking that pattern won’t be easy. Just last week, I was watching a game where TNT also won the game with its former player Mikey Williams sitting at courtside—a moment that reminded me how external factors, from former players to broadcast energy, can subtly influence outcomes. It’s not just about the players on the floor; the atmosphere, the sidelines, and even broadcast narratives play a role. That’s why, as I analyze this matchup, I’m considering more than just stats—though I’ll get to those—but also the intangibles that could tip the scales.

Let’s start with the Lakers’ roster. LeBron James, at 39 years old, is still putting up impressive numbers, averaging around 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game this season. Anthony Davis, when healthy, is a defensive force, but his inconsistency has been a recurring issue. On the other side, the Nuggets boast Nikola Jokić, who’s arguably the best center in the league, with averages of 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. I’ve always admired Jokić’s playmaking—it’s like watching a chess master in a game of checkers. But here’s where my bias shows: I’m rooting for the Lakers. There’s something about their legacy and LeBron’s relentless drive that pulls me in. However, the numbers don’t lie. In their last five matchups, the Nuggets have won four, including a 115-110 victory in March where Jokić dropped a triple-double. That kind of dominance isn’t just luck; it’s systemic, built on Denver’s cohesive ball movement and depth.

Now, diving into the intangibles, I can’t help but think back to that TNT broadcast moment. When Mikey Williams was courtside, the energy in the arena shifted—it felt like the players fed off that presence. In playoff basketball, those small edges matter. For the Lakers to overcome the Nuggets, they’ll need more than just star power; they’ll need role players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell to step up consistently. I remember a game earlier this season where Reaves hit a clutch three-pointer, and the crowd erupted—it’s those moments that define series. But Denver’s bench, led by players like Christian Braun, has been underrated. Statistically, their bench contributes about 35 points per game compared to the Lakers’ 28, and in a seven-game series, that depth could be decisive. Personally, I think the Lakers have a shot if they can control the tempo and limit turnovers, but it’s a big “if.” Their defense has been porous at times, allowing an average of 112 points per game, while the Nuggets hold opponents to around 108.

As we look ahead, the coaching matchup between Darvin Ham and Michael Malone will be crucial. Malone’s strategic adjustments in last year’s playoffs were masterful, and I’ve seen him outcoach Ham in key moments. But Ham has shown flashes of brilliance, like when he shifted to a smaller lineup that sparked a comeback. From my experience covering the NBA, playoff series often turn on one or two pivotal games—think Game 7s where legacies are forged. If the Lakers can steal a game in Denver early, it could shift the psychological edge. However, the Nuggets’ home-court advantage is real; they’ve won roughly 70% of their home games this season. All in all, while my heart says the Lakers might pull off an upset, my head leans toward the Nuggets in six games. It’ll come down to execution, health, and maybe a little magic from the sidelines—just like that TNT game reminded us, sometimes the story isn’t just on the court.