Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets should fear a vengeful LeBron James

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/16/24

Because the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in Tuesday's Western Conference play-in tournament, they secured a first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The series will be a repeat of the 2023 Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets swept the Purple and Gold during that series.

However, if history has taught us anything, it's that LeBron James can hold a grudge on the basketball court. The veteran superstar always finds a way to get his revenge. According to three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams, the Nuggets would likely prefer to avoid the Lakers in the first round.

"What team would want to play against the best basketball player in the world, no matter what phase of [LeBron James'] career that he's in, you don't want to match up with the best basketball player in the world," Williams said on Tuesday's episode of Fan Duel TV's 'Run It Back.'

Are the #Nuggets hoping the #Pelicans win?@TeamLou23: "What team would want to play against the best basketball player in the world, no matter what phase of [LeBron James'] career that he's in, you don't want to match up with the best basketball player in the world."

:… pic.twitter.com/L31ft93sIQ
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 16, 2024

LeBron, 39, has enjoyed another stellar season. In 71 games played, he's averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists on 54% shooting from the field and 41% shooting from three-point range. Even at this late stage in his career, he's still capable of dominating a playoff series, especially against a team that ejected him from the playoffs last season.

The Nuggets are talented enough to potentially repeat their success from last season. However, if LeBron and Anthony Davis are both playing at their best, the Lakers could prove to be a nightmare opponent for Mike Malone's team. LeBron is looking to add another championship to his resume and this season could be his best chance of doing so.

As such, the Nuggets were likely hoping that the Lakers would fail to secure a win. One thing will be for certain, nobody will be taking LeBron lightly.

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