Over the last two years, a rivalry has been brewing in the West. Although one-sided, clashes between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers have produced exhilarating basketball action. In particular, Denver relishes these contests, claiming the last two playoff series against LeBron James and Co. It’s clear that they have the date circled for the time they will welcome the Lakers. However, Aaron Gordon might have miracles lined up in his path purely due to the matchup.

They faced the Raptors earlier in the month, and Gordon sat out in the final quarter. Diagnosed with a calf strain, Shams Charania reported the Nuggets forward would miss multiple weeks. Moreover, when speaking after practice, Michael Malone admitted there was no timeline for him to return. “Those calf strains can be really tricky, really finicky, so you have to be careful how much you’re pushing it,” he said.

But the Nuggets are playing the Lakers. The occasion seems too good for Aaron Gordon to miss. After the concerning update from his head coach, NBA Reddit found probably the true purpose behind Gordon being held back from their road trip. On November 23, perfectly in line with Charania’s initial report, the 29-year-old could return when the Nuggets face off against the Lakers.

The community believes it’s Denver’s obsession with the legacy franchise in LA that led to the revelation of Gordon’s return from his calf injury. So far this season, the athletic forward remains to raise his game since signing a $133 million extension. He’s averaging 15.4 points with a 55.6% FG on the floor improving his shooting from the three-point range, too.

The Lakers might be Aaron Gordon’s favorite team to compete against

In a span of two or three years, the history between the Nuggets and Lakers has staggeringly increased. They have met in the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. In those battles, the Nuggets have only lost one game so far. Furthermore, Aaron Gordon tends to play an integral part when the Purple and Gold line up in front of them.

In three regular-season games last season, the former Magic high-flyer averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds against the Lakers. His net differential of +11.3 explains Denver’s success correlating to his well-spaced-out performances. The Nuggets haven’t lost in the past four regular-season games against the Lakers.

Apart from his offensive contributions, the self-described “utility guy” is also Malone’s trusted guy to guard the Laker’s star tandem. It is among the several tasks Gordon takes upon himself. However, never has he let it become an issue, an attribute the seasoned head coach raves about.

“He’s been asked to guard LeBron James and Anthony Davis for 40-plus minutes a night. What you love about Aaron Gordon is that there is never any complaining. He just goes out there and does his job. I think he is a terrific embodiment of being truly selfless,” he said after Gordon’s 29-point defining performance in a Game 3 win last season.

This was before the advent of his three-point shot. Despite missing the Nuggets’ road trip, Gordon has been seeing putting hours in after practice. It might be to recover as soon as possible. Or it could be to make a statement against one of the most prestigious franchises in sports… once again.