Preview, prediction and stars for Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1st round NBA Playoffs 2024 series

The first round of the NBA Playoffs 2024 already knows some of the matchups that will take place after the conclusion of the regular season, and some of the play-in games. In the West, one of the confirmed series is the one between Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, after the latter beat New Orleans Pelicans in the 7th vs. 8th playoff matchup. The playoffs will feature Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Jamal Murray as the main stars of the duel.

Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets fell just short of sealing the top spot in the Western Conference in the regular season. The Colorado franchise finished 2nd with a 57-25 record, winning 33 of their 41 home games and holding a 24-17 away record. As reigning champions, they will again face the Lakers just as they did in last year's Conference Finals, in a series they won 4-0.

The Lakers, meanwhile, qualified as 7th to the playoffs after beating the Pelicans in the play-in. The Los Angeles franchise was stronger at home throughout the regular season (28-14) than away from home (19-21). This year they will try to seek revenge for the last playoff loss, although they start with a big disadvantage.

- Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): The Serbian is aiming to win his third MVP of the season after a spectacular 2023/24 season. The Nuggets star has once again been the great leader expected from such an imposing figure as his, and has averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game.

- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): At 39 years old, who can guess when LeBron will retire from basketball? The Lakers star seems to be living a second youth, as he has averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, and playing 71 regular season games, as if the years are not passing for him.

- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers): Davis is, right now, the most important player of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, especially on defense, being the great favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. In addition, he has averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets): the golden shield for Jokic. Jamal has shown that, together with the Serbian, they are the most dangerous duo in the NBA. This regular season, Murray has averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, although he always brings out his best in the playoffs.

Prediction.

Although the Lakers are the toughest team the Nuggets could face in the play-in, the playoffs should not be too complicated for the defending champions. I think Denver will seal their qualification to the Conference semifinals without much trouble.