The Los Angeles Lakers have faced significant challenges when matched against the Denver Nuggets in recent years, frequently falling short in both playoffs and regular-season games. A major factor behind Denver’s success was Michael Porter Jr., whose impressive shooting and physical presence repeatedly troubled the Lakers before his trade to the Brooklyn Nets this offseason. Porter relished the intensity of the rivalry and recently spoke candidly about his performance against Los Angeles, highlighting his consistent success.

On the Glory Daze Podcast, Porter declared his enjoyment of those matchups and stressed his superiority on the court:

“I used to love those series’ against the Lakers,”

he said.

“They always thought they could beat us but they never did. I always had good series against the Lakers. I don’t know what it was but I always cooked the Lakers. I just think that they didn’t really have a guy, a matchup for me that was trying to come off of screens.”

Statistical Impact and Future Implications for Denver

Across 15 playoff games against Los Angeles, Porter Jr. averaged 16.8 points and 7.8 rebounds, showcasing his value during those crucial contests. With Porter Jr. now heading to Brooklyn, the Nuggets look to fill the void with new talent such as Cam Johnson, who offers a comparable scoring threat but will need to enhance his rebounding contribution. Meanwhile, the Lakers are reshaping their roster around Luka Doncic, attempting to overcome their past struggles linked to Denver’s dominance.

Michael Porter Jr. Praises Nikola Jokic’s Exceptional Play and Work Ethic

Porter also shared his thoughts on former teammate Nikola Jokic during the same podcast, admitting that he initially underestimated Jokic’s talent but soon recognized his unique abilities as games intensified.

He lauded Jokic’s quiet commitment and skill, stating:

“He is the best player in the world,”

and added,

“And I got to play alongside him for those years, and it was amazing to learn from him, and it was amazing to learn his work habits too. Like, he’s so nonchalant about basketball. I don’t know if you saw the clip of when his horse won the race.”

Despite Jokic’s relaxed demeanor, Porter contrasted his approach with that of LeBron James, suggesting that Jokic’s disciplined work ethic will help maintain his elite status for years to come.

The Ongoing Lakers-Nuggets Rivalry and What Lies Ahead

Michael Porter Jr.’s assertive remarks highlight the sustained tension and competitiveness between the Lakers and Nuggets. Denver’s recent supremacy, powered by players like Porter Jr. and Jokic, forced Los Angeles to rethink its strategy, now focusing around Luka Doncic’s leadership. As Porter moves on, the Nuggets’ ability to maintain their edge in this rivalry will depend on how well newcomers like Cam Johnson adapt and contribute in critical moments.

For the Lakers, overcoming this hurdle remains urgent as they aim to reclaim dominance in the Western Conference. This ongoing competition continues to captivate fans and shape both teams’ paths forward in upcoming seasons.