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Lakers couldn’t have asked for a better first opponent than the Nuggets

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in game three of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in game three of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The 2023-24 NBA season is getting closer and closer and Los Angeles Lakers fans now know who the team will square off against to kickstart the season. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers will kick off the season on the road against the Denver Nuggets on October 24.

This is one of two games that will reportedly make up NBA’s Opening Night. The Golden State Warriors will reportedly host the Phoenix Suns in a game that will likely overshadow the Lakers’ game because Chris Paul and Kevin Durant playing their former teams.

Some fans may view this first game in a negative light like the Lakers drew the short end of the stick. But in reality, the team could not have asked for a better first opponent to kickstart the team’s journey to championship No. 18.

The Nuggets are the perfect first opponent for the Lakers.

Let’s be clear: this is just one game in an 82-game season and it by no means is going to dictate the rest of the year. Either team could win this game by 40 points and it does not guarantee that is how the rest of the season is going to go.

That being said, the first game of the season is much more reflective of a team’s ability than a random game in November. In theory, both teams are rested, are going to be at full strength and will be playing in a playoff-esque environment.

There are very few regular-season games that replicate this, especially in the era of load management. The only other regular-season games that have a similar feel are on Christmas and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Thus, Lakers fans will get a somewhat accurate representation of how the team stacks up against the defending champions. A lot will still happen over the course of the season that will completely change the outlook of the league. But it will still be nice to see if the Lakers have caught up or surpassed Denver with the offseason additions that were made.

Plus, it gives the Lakers a chance to get immediate revenge for Mike Malone running his mouth about the team and LeBron James. Granted, winning game 1 of 82 isn’t as substantial as winning the NBA Championship but it will certainly still feel good for the Lakers.

Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark

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