The defending champions Denver Nuggets will start their 2023/24 NBA season against the Los Angeles Lakers. Amidst the anticipation of the match, the question marks are there over the availability of the Nuggets’ superstars. Thus, the fans are curious to know whether Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will play against LeBron James and Co.

Following a few unforgettable matchups in the past couple of seasons, this fixture carries a certain volume. With that in mind, the viewers of the Lakers vs Nuggets wait to hear the answers to the question.

Will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray feature against LeBron James?

The duo featured in four of the five pre-season games of the Denver side as they won three of those. Thus, there are no doubts over the importance of these two players for the Nuggets in their home clash against the Lakers. As of now, both Jokic and Jamal look set to start for their team in the season opener.

The Serbian center in particular had an impressive preparation campaign with his squad. Averaging 24.5 points per game, he was second in the league with 11.8 rebounds per game. Alongside his magnificent 66% shooting efficiency, he also ranked third in the NBA with 9.8 assists per game.

Trending

“Gonna Be On LinkedIn”: Charles Barkley Begins Job Hunt, Shaq Goes AWOL as NBC Takes ‘Inside The NBA’, TNT to Deep Waters

May 20, 2024 12:20 PM EDT

30 Days Before Second Marriage, Shaquille O’Neal’s Heartfelt Confession Won the Respect of Ex-Wife Shaunie Henderson

May 18, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Retirement Plans as Inside the NBA Crew Prepare for Uncertain Future With TNT

May 20, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Replaced by Shaquille O’Neal and $14 Million Worth TNT Deal, Here Are the Former “Inside the NBA” Analysts

May 20, 2024 12:35 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Murray on the other hand had a decent pre-season as he averaged 5.5 assists per game during this phase. His shooting percentage took a major hit in the four matches he played. Thus, the 26-year-old has certain things to improve at the start of the upcoming campaign.

“Going to Get Bullied by Jokic or AD”: Unhappy Warriors Fans Slam Stephen Curry and Co for Harsh Dwight Howard Decision

As last season’s Western Conference finalists meet again with restructured rosters. This gives rise to one possibility.

Will the story be different this time?

The Nuggets humiliated the Lakers with a 4-0 series win in the conference finals. The combination of Murray and Jokic proved deadly as LeBron James’ team had no answers. Denver’s high pick and rolls enhanced Jamal’s ability as an elite outside shooter as he scored the most points in the series.

Nikola did everything exceptionally well, so much so the LA side fell short despite having a free-flowing offense. The 28-year-old’s shot-creation ability kept his teammates involved in the matches. The move paid off as all of Denver’s starters including their sixth man averaged more than 10 points per game.

Watch This Story: “Without Kevin Durant, LeBron (James) Got Steph in His Back Pocket”: Ex-Teammates Give Lakers Superstar an Upper Edge for 5th Ring

Thus, LeBron and his squad would look to rectify their mistakes this time around. They will enter the Ball Arena as the underdogs with a 2-4 outcome in the pre-season. Still, their possibility of winning the season opener is impossible to rule out. Can the Lakers take their revenge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.