Lakers, LeBron James set aside ‘personal’ history for Nuggets rematch

The Lakers are not focusing on narratives before their Round 1 showdown with the Nuggets.

The theme for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in their first-round NBA Playoff rematch with the powerful Denver Nuggets? No theme.

“It shouldn’t be personal at all,” LeBron said Wednesday at Lakers practice. Making things personal lets you stray from the strategy. We have strategy. We’ll perform it outside. You live with the results.”

The Lakers have lost nine consecutive to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, including last year’s Western Conference finals sweep. The Lakers usually win by keeping games tight and letting LeBron and AD handle crunchtime. Works versus 28 teams.

“I stay even-keeled out there.” LeBron added. “I’ve been in the postseason too long to know not to get too high off Game 1 or over the opponent.

“There will be numerous plays throughout a game or series. How long can you stay calm?

The Nuggets and Lakers’ latest match at Crypto.com Arena on March 2 featuring their Round 1 rotations summed up their previous history: The Lakers lost to the Jokic-Jamal Murray two-man game despite their efforts. Denver led 124-114.

“It’s a great team we’re playing against,” added LeBron. “A team with many big game experience. Knows their late-game goals. We must be disciplined.

The postseason is about challenges, therefore it will be difficult.

D’Angelo Russell overwhelms Nuggets.

“It shouldn’t be personal at all,” LeBron said at Lakers practice on Wednesday. “You allow yourself to get away from the gameplan if you make it personal. We do have a game plan. We’ll go out there and execute it. And you live with the results.”

The Lakers’ crunch-time success will largely hinge on D’Angelo Russell. In the ’23 WCF, DLo was targeted and ultimately played off the floor by Denver, culminating in Dennis Schroder starting Game 4.

Russell has forcefully responded with his finest season. His smoke-chasing has fueled the Lakers’ off𝖊nsive resurgence.

Once again, though, Darvin Ham must decide whether DLo’s playmaking and shooting outweigh his defensive limitations against the Nuggets’ closing unit. Or, whether to go with Spencer Dinwiddie, Gabe Vincent, or (gulp) Cam Reddish over DLo, who averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists on 41.5% 3-point shooting in 76 games.

“DLo is in an incredible space,” Ham said at practice. “Kicking a– for us. And we expect him to do the same.”

Russell joined LeBron in downplaying the narratives.

“The same as it was against (the New Orleans Pelicans). Same sh-t,” he said about his excitement level for another cr𝔞ck at the Nuggets in the playoffs. “There’s no extra preparation for me. We’ve been preparing all year for whoever we’re gonna see in the postseason.

“Obviously, y’all want to make it a Denver – DLo thing. But I’m ready to compete.”

Opponent aside, the Lakers (47-35) are entering the 2024 NBA playoffs as self-confident as they’ve been since before their last Nuggets series. They’ve won 12 of their 15 games. They’re 22-10 since recommitting to Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup on Feb. 3.

Makes sense, then, to keep the focus on the present opportunity – not their past failures.

“They’re a great team,” said LeBron. “We know what they’re capable of. The game is not won in the transcripts. The game is won in between the four lines. And that’s all that matters.”

The Lakers’ crunch-time success depends on D’Angelo Russell. Denver targeted DLo and played him off the floor in the ’23 WCF, ending with Dennis Schroder beginning Game 4.

Russell responded well with his best season. He has sparked the Lakers’ off𝖊nsive revival by chasing smoke.

Darvin Ham must again determine if DLo’s playmaking and shooting worth his defensive shortcomings against the Nuggets’ closing unit. Or whether to pick Spencer Dinwiddie, Gabe Vincent, or (gulp) Cam Reddish above DLo, who averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 41.5% 3-point shooting in 76 games.

“DLo is in an incredible space,” Ham said at practice. Kicking our 𝔞ss. We expect the same from him.”

Russell and LeBron downplayed the stories.

Just like against the Pelicans. He expressed his eagerness for another playoff match against the Nuggets using the same words. “No extra preparation for me. The postseason opponent has been our focus all year.

Naturally, you want a Denver-DLo thing. I’m ready to compete.”

The Lakers (47-35) arrive in the 2024 NBA playoffs with the same confidence as before their last Nuggets series. Winners of 12 of 15 games. Since recommitting to Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup on Feb. 3, they’re 22-10.

Thus, focusing on the present opportunity rather than past failures makes sense.

“They’re a great team,” LeBron stated. “We know their potential. The transcripts leave the game unfinished. The game is won between the four lines. That’s all that matters.”