Last year's Western Conference beef has spilled into opening night

The 2023-24 NBA season opener is not just any game; it's a showdown loaded with anticipation and a fierce rivalry. The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, who clashed in the Western Conference Finals last season, are set to renew hostilities.

Rekindling Old Flames

Over the offseason, the animosity between these two teams has only intensified. Nuggets' head coach Mike Malone took a few shots at the Lakers during last year's playoffs. After a pivotal Game 2 win, he lamented how the media fixated on the Lakers while ignoring the historic performance of Nikola Jokic.

Malone famously quipped,


Adding Insult to Injury

This quip became a rallying cry for the Nuggets, even appearing on Malone's celebratory T-shirt during the championship parade. The playful taunts continued throughout the summer when Malone jokingly suggested LeBron James might retire after the Nuggets' sweep of the Lakers.

LeBron's response? A cryptic message on social media:
A Long History

It's worth noting that LeBron and Malone go way back, with Malone serving as an assistant coach during LeBron's first tenure with the Cavaliers. Together, they achieved remarkable success in Cleveland, reaching the playoffs five consecutive seasons and making the NBA Finals in 2007.

LeBron's Promise

When asked about responding to the Nuggets' comments, LeBron teased, While he downplayed the motivation from the Nuggets' banter, it's clear the Lakers have extra incentive for their opening night game in Denver.

Rivalry Rekindled

The Western Conference Finals series from last year has ignited a fierce rivalry between the Lakers and the Nuggets. Players from both sides are talking up the matchup, including Nuggets' guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020. He remarked,
Ring Ceremony Drama

Adding to the excitement, the Nuggets' ring ceremony is set for opening night. The Lakers will have to watch their rivals receive their 2023 world championship rings, adding fuel to an already intense fire. It's a must-watch event that promises drama, tension, and thrilling basketball action.

Hoops Wire