"Kept calling the Finals the LeBron-James-Invitational" - Rachel Nichols proclaims Nikola Jokic as the ruler of the Western Conference
Following the LA Lakers' consecutive losses to the Denver Nuggets, which extended their losing streak to 10 games, the entire Purple and Gold organization, along with their players and fans alike, finds themselves in a state of frustration, pondering how to overcome the dominance of Michael Malone's team.
Rachel Nichols attributes this to the rise of the Nikola Jokic era, drawing parallels to LeBron James' reign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, during which he led his teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances, instilling fear in every opponent.
For Nichols, just as LeBron left every other team scratching their head in the East, Jokic has now become the new Kingpin of the Western Conference.
"LeBron James is getting a taste of his own medicine. All of those years he played in the Eastern Conference when he played for Cleveland and Miami. We kept calling the Finals the LeBron-James-Invitational because no one else had a shot in the conference, no one else was getting there," Nichols said. "It goes back to Michael Jordan in the Eastern Conference (when) he was having his reign. Guess what? That is what is happening with Nikola Jokic right now."
Recommended Articles
Nichols likens Jokic's impact to that of LeBron's
Expanding on her admiration for the two-time MVP, Rachel highlighted Jokic's remarkable impact, emphasizing that while Murray received acclaim for his buzzer-beating game-winner in Game 2, it was actually 'The Joker' who created the crucial space for him.
Moreover, the Undisputed host drew parallels with LeBron's prime years, noting how he similarly facilitated opportunities for his teammates and how the Serbian center is helping the Nuggets players elevate their performance.
"Nikola Jokic cleared out the rest of those players on that last shot by Jamal Murray," Nichols added. "Jokic had a hand in that play as well. This is exactly what LeBron used to do to everyone else."
James has much more experience
Undeniably, the 2023 Finals MVP reigns supreme as the most dominant and influential big man in today's NBA. To end his reign in Game 3 would demand an exceptional performance from LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers squad.
Yet Nichols overlooks the four-time MVP's unparalleled experience overcoming gut-wrenching playoff losses, a facet of his game surpassing any other player in the modern-day NBA landscape.
Just as D'Angelo Russell ignited in Game 2 with a barrage of seven 3-pointers, James understands the mindset necessary to inspire each teammate for a Lakers comeback in the series. Their first victory against the defending champions could unveil holes in the Nuggets' armor, offering a pathway to exploit potential vulnerabilities in the rest of the series.
