The 2023-24 NBA season has kicked off, and it seemed like déjà vu from the previous year. The Denver Nuggets, who had previously swept the Los Angeles Lakers out of the 2023 Western Conference finals, started the new season by defeating their purple and gold rivals with a final score of 119-107. As expected, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the way, securing his first triple-double of the season with an impressive 29 points, 11 assists, and 13 rebounds.

The Lakers’ performance was a tale of contrasts in their defeat. Star big man Anthony Davis contributed 17 points in the first half but went scoreless in the second. The Lakers excelled when LeBron James was on the court, outscoring their opponents by seven points, but struggled when he was off the floor, losing by 19 points. The supporting cast, which the Lakers had spent the previous season revamping, was relatively quiet, although new addition Taurean Prince made a mark with 18 points and four 3-pointers.

The Lakers face a tough challenge ahead, with a matchup against the formidable Phoenix Suns on the horizon this Thursday. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will travel to Memphis on Friday to take on the Grizzlies. It’s just the beginning of the season, but the Lakers find themselves playing catch-up against the defending champions.