The Lakers have heard enough. Denver owns them. Nikola Jokic is their kryptonite. ‘Nuff said! The Nuggets always seem to find a way to win no matter what they do. The thing is, Los Angeles almost flipped the script last week. Without three of their own starters, they took a fully healthy Denver team to the wire.

Now, things feel different. Jaxson Hayes and Luka Doncic are expected back, and this rematch isn’t as foregone as another inevitable Nuggets win. It feels like an opportunity—an opportunity to break the curse and prove that Denver is not an unbeatable juggernaut. Of course, one massive factor could change everything: Nikola Jokic.

Jokic headlines Nuggets’ injury report

And that’s what makes this a really interesting point. Denver’s latest injury report did throw the whole thing into question. Jokic is questionable with a right elbow contusion and a left ankle impingement, so nobody knows if he’s actually going to play or not. Or at least, that was the case so far. Per the latest update from NBA Insider, Chris B. Haynes, Jokic is confirmed to be out against Los Angeles.

We all know the Serbian big man now. He’s not the type to sit out unless he has to. However, given that the playoffs are now just around the corner, the Nuggets might not want to take any unnecessary risks. And it’s not just him.

Jamal Murray was also on the list with a questionable tag, thanks to an ankle sprain. Haynes’ report also provides clarification on Murray—out.

As for the other names on the injury report, Christian Braun is playing with foot inflammation, and while Aaron Gordon is slated to play, Denver is definitely without Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II. So yeah, Denver’s rotation could look very different tonight. And that changes everything for the Lakers.

Denver’s dominance over the Lakers faces ultimate test

History says that no matter how much the Lakers want to convince themselves that things are different this time, it’s not. They have lost eight times in their last 10 meetings with Denver. The Nuggets know how to win this matchup, whether or not Jokic plays.

The biggest reason? L.A. has no answer for their offense. Despite having the full team to stop Jokic’s playmaking, Murray’s shot creation, and Michael Porter Jr’s shooting, the Lakers would find themselves unable to contain his playmaking and shooting. Denver has held the upper hand in this rivalry simply because their system works.

And if Jokic does suit up? Then it’s business as usual. Unless the Lakers have somehow tapped into the secret sauce which can magically stop him, expect another masterclass from two time Finals MVP.

The Nuggets still wear the crown despite the talk of how open the Western Conference is this season. When the stakes are high, they deliver even though they may not be blowing teams out every night. Of course, this is another chance to send a message: even if Jokic plays or not, the Nuggets are the standard.

In that sense, it’s the Lakers’ shot at revenge, but Denver points to the fact that it’s another opportunity to prove they’re still on the road to a championship.