The Lakers and Nuggets rivalry has been on sim this offseason but the fire is getting hotter as the season approaches, with their opening night game possibly being the boiling point. But Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is unfazed by the rivalry which has caught some extra steam in recent weeks.
“Who cares? Next game. One game at a time. It’s a team we’re trying to get a win against. It’s great TV. Obviously, they beat us last, so we want to go down there, take care of business, and beat them. Simple as that. Make it what you want to make it, but we really want to get the win.”
Reporter: “There’s been some chatter from [the Nuggets]… What does that add to tomorrow’s game?”
D’Angelo Russell: “Who cares… It’s just another team we’re trying to get a win against.” 👀
(via @michaelcorvoNBA) pic.twitter.com/6VCAHStjPa
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 23, 2023
The Nuggets are the gold standard of the NBA right now. Every team has them as the target, including the Lakers given how they were swept by them in the Western Conference Finals.
LA was far from competitive for most of last season and is coming into this opening night game with the main core of the team being familiar with each other but with the need to integrate various new rotational pieces into the lineup as well. Regardless, this clash tomorrow will be incredible.
Michael Malone Threw Shade At The Lakers After Giving Them Respect
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone openly gave his respect to the Lakers recently for what they achieved last season. He also praised Darvin Ham but threw shade toward the team by openly wondering why the Nuggets have been on the Lakers’ minds for the last four months.
“This is a new season, a new challenge, and it was a hell of a series against them. I know it was a 4-0 sweep, but all those games seemed like they went down to the wire. We have tremendous respect for that team. I have tremendous respect for Darvin Ham as a coach and the job that he did. But yeah, I don’t listen to any of that stuff. I don’t know what they’re saying, and if we’re on their minds, then I guess that’s on them.”
This was in response to Anthony Davis claiming he and LeBron James have been talking about their opening night matchup against the Nuggets and how both of them can’t wait for the game to finally take place. Now, we’re just 24 hours away from the contest where the Lakers will be forced to watch Denver celebrate their first NBA title in franchise history as they receive their championship rings.
Will D’Angelo Russell Start On Opening Night?
Russell looks locked in for the opening night matchup for the Lakers, but will he be a part of the starting five or play as the team’s sixth man? From all preseason indicators, it’s clear that Russell will be starting in the backcourt alongside Austin Reaves. He will have competition the entire season, as Gabe Vincent is determined to succeed and make the starters’ spot his own before the end of the season.
Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists last season, but ended up disappearing in the playoffs, getting benched for Dennis Schroder. With that performance forcing Russell to take a big pay cut on a short-term contract, this season is going to be crucial for D’Lo’s long-term future in the league.
Starting on opening night seems confirmed, but holding onto the spot until the playoffs come is going to be the bigger challenge.
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