
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) strips the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the first quarter during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) strips the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the first quarter during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The only record the Los Angeles Lakers are adding to this season is their losing record against the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray, for the second time this series, won the ball game with a buzzer-beating jumper. Only this time, the Lakers will go home alone. They are now, officially eliminated for the 2023-24 NBA season, leaving them to ponder on their quest to face the defending champions early.
With Aaron Gordon pinning LeBron James to the dunker’s spot, Jamal Murray found himself on an island with Austin Reaves. With that, he drives to the lane for an easy pull-up from a step inside the free-throw line. As Murray sank the shot with 3.6 seconds left on the clock, the Lakers quickly in-bounded the ball, culminating in a half-court shot by Taurean Prince that never came close to the basket.
Jamal Murray calls game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1MzHezIpkq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 30, 2024
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Struggling to transition into the post-season early April, Jamal Murray’s buzzer beater triggers an early Lakers offseason before the month ends. The Lakers now face the challenge of building away from everything they have for the past 2 seasons. They will soon encounter challenges around their roster changes to coaching replacements, albeit while anticipating whether LeBron James choses to opt into his player option or not. Nevertheless, until then, the NBA world has a new superstar, and they are loving every sight of it.
NBA world unites in Jamal Murray’s fireworks
Murray’s sudden surge against the Lakers, just like his sneaky athleticism on the court, now grips the NBA world with wonder. With all eyes on Nikola Jokić during the heated matchups, Murray has consistently solidified himself as an equally threatening offensive player. With that, fans around the globe are heaping praise of the 6’4 guard, with plenty of them citing Jamal Murray to have “personally packed the lakers bags to Cancun.”
jamal murray personally packed the lakers bags to Cancun
— Devin Walker (@Devin_Walker2) April 30, 2024
Additionally, another follower chimed in while citing the LeBron James already has made his plans, and might be on the way to the airport right off the locker room.
Lebron already headed to the airport for Cancun
— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) April 30, 2024
Furthermore, finding peace in Lakers’ loss, a fan mocked the purple and gold followers of believing that James and LA could pull off a historic 3-0 series disadvantage against Jamal Murray’s Denver.
LAKERS FANS THOUGHT THEY WERE COMING BACK FROM DOWN 3-0 LMAOOO
— Smiley (@30GotNext) April 30, 2024
Moreover, rubbing salt right where it burns the most, a fan hilariously mocked the Lakers’ loyals, citing, “It’s okay Lakers fans you still won the NBA In-Season Tournament.”
It’s okay Lakers fans you still won the NBA In-Season Tournament
— Herm (@DeonteBanksMVP) April 30, 2024
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With 3 back to back disappointing seasons, failing to cultivate a playoff dominance that James was once known for, another NBA admirer claimed that the loss marks LeBron James’ last game while donning a purple and gold.
LeBron James is officially no longer a Los Angeles Lakers
— Omari $AMC $8.01 🦍🚀 (@Omari04906135) April 30, 2024
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Jamal Murray and the Nuggets now enter the second-round series behind a gentleman’s sweep. They will now face the streaking Minnesota Timberwolves, who come sweeping Kevin Durant led Phoenix Suns.
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