Despite an eight-game losing streak against the Denver Nuggets, the LA Lakers gear up for a first-round clash in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the defending champions. While the Lakers could have opted for an easier route by tanking their play-in tournament game against the New Orleans Pelicans, they seem determined to confront Denver head-on.

Although the task ahead appears daunting, with some already counting the Lakers out, LeBron James has emphasized the importance of executing in crucial moments to turn the tide.

Last year’s Western Conference finals between the Lakers and Nuggets seemed evenly matched initially, but it quickly tilted in Denver‘s favor due to the Lakers‘ inability to contain Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

In this season’s three-game series against the Nuggets, the Lakers experimented with different lineups, incorporating longer wings and defensively sound guards to address their shortcomings. Their most successful lineup, featuring D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis, provided a tough challenge for Denver.

Meanwhile, if Davis faces difficulties against Jokic, the Lakers can turn to Jaxson Hayes as a viable backup big. A potential two-big lineup, alongside James, Rui Hachimura, and a defensive guard, could provide the Lakers with versatility and matchup advantages.

“It’s the defending champions,” LeBron said.

“We understand how difficult of a matchup it’s been vs. them. They’re gonna make it tough on [us], we’re gonna try to make it tough on them.

“So we’re gonna get an opportunity to kind of rest tonight, maybe rest tomorrow a little bit, and then get back into the books and get ready for this first round series that’s gonna be extremely tough on us.”

What time is LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets?

The clash between the LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets are set to tip off on April 20 at 20:30 ET.

Where to watch LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

First round’s Game 1 game between LeBron’s Lakers and Jokic’s Nuggets will be televised by ABC.