The Los Angeles Lakers faced a setback in their playoff aspirations with a 114–103 defeat against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Losing Game 1 of the series to the No. 2 seeded Nuggets, the Lakers faced criticism for their performance, particularly in a crucial sequence during the fourth quarter that highlighted potential shortcomings.
Trailing by nine points with over a minute remaining, Lakers’ stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James attempted to narrow the deficit in the paint but ended up turning the ball over. This turnover led to a game-sealing dunk by the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, facilitated by Aaron Gordon’s pass in transition. Observers noted Davis appeared fatigued, unable to retreat on defense after the turnover, while James struggled to keep pace with Jokić.
The dagger dunk by Jokić 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4TWWg3jQ7T
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2024
Fans expressed concern over the Lakers’ lack of discipline and apparent physical conditioning issues. Some attributed their struggles to the high altitude of the arena, suggesting it took a toll on even elite athletes like those in the NBA. Criticism extended to the perceived decline of LeBron James, with some suggesting the end of an era for the basketball legend.
Despite the disappointment of Game 1, fans and analysts alike eagerly awaited Game 2 to see if the Lakers could bounce back. The series against the Nuggets became a focal point for both teams and their respective fan bases, with Game 2 holding significant importance for the Lakers’ playoff journey. As the Lakers prepared for the upcoming game, questions lingered about their ability to address conditioning concerns and regain momentum in the series.
