Nuggets fans are jubilant after Denver’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One, playfully poking fun at the Lakers’ recent struggles and referring to Denver’s dominance as “Lakers’ daddy issues.” The playful banter underscores the growing rivalry between the teams, with Nuggets fans enjoying the upper hand in this early stage of the series. As the excitement builds, fans are looking forward to seeing if Denver can maintain its edge.
During the Denver Nuggets’ championship celebration last year, sportscaster and wordsmith Vic Lombardi famously quipped that Nikola Jokić and the team had become the “daddy” of the Los Angeles Lakers—a comment that ruffled feathers among LeBron James and his West Coast squad. This tongue-in-cheek remark quickly became a major talking point heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Following the Nuggets’ 114-103 victory in their first game of the new season on April 20, the “daddy” narrative gained further traction. Denver fans on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, erupted with excitement, embracing the idea that their team was continuing to assert dominance over the Lakers. The buzz online suggests that this rivalry storyline is far from over, and Nuggets fans are reveling in the moment.
Indeed, the Nuggets not only swept the Lakers in the Western Conference finals last season, but they also claimed victory in every regular season game since then. Yet, their commanding win on national television last night served as a stark reminder of Denver’s skill and determination, sending a strong message to Lakers players and fans alike.
The comprehensive nature of the Nuggets’ performance seemed to unnerve the Lakers, both on the court and in the stands. Meanwhile, ESPN executives might have been left reconsidering their narratives, as the outcome wasn’t just a win—it was a decisive statement. The Nuggets are proving that their dominance over the Lakers isn’t a fluke but a consistent trend, and the basketball world is taking notice.
