Lakers benefit greatly as Nikola Jokic’s nemesis is head referee in Game 2

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a very disappointing Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets. Denver took a massive lead in the first half as Darvin Ham attempted to go small and for the rest of the game, the Lakers had to crawl back, getting within three late in the fourth quarter.

It was not enough, though, as the Nuggets were able to hold on and walk out with a six-point victory. While it was a frustrating loss, it gave Lakers fans optimism as once adjustments were made, the Lake Show looked like the much better team.

Game 2 on Thursday night becomes a huge tipping point in the series. With a win, the Lakers can take control of the series and steal home-court advantage from Denver. With a loss, LA will be forced to win both Games 3 and 4 at home to even have a chance at winning this series.

Luckily for LA, the team is getting some help. The NBA released its referee assignments for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals and the head official — Tony Brothers — is a very notable name.

Lakers benefit greatly from Tony Brothers and Nikola Jokic’s past.

Brothers is one of the most experienced referees in the NBA and he has an interesting past with Jokic. Brothers was the referee in the second round when Jokic pushed Suns owners Mat Ishbia and was the one that gave him a technical for it.

It goes back farther than that, though. Jokic has been ejected in multiple games in which Brothers was the referee. It happened once against the Indiana Pacers in 2019 and again in 2021 against the Washington Wizards.

It has gotten so bad between Jokic and Brothers that Nuggets fans have petitioned for Brothers to be banned from Nuggets games. For whatever reason, Jokic always seems to get himself in trouble when Brothers is the referee.

This is all great news for the Lakers. Los Angeles is one of the best teams at getting to the free-throw line and if the team can get Jokic in foul trouble early it will limit Denver’s offense substantially. If you are going to slay the dragon you have to cut the head off and getting Jokic in foul trouble would do just that.