The Denver Nuggets were the opponents for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023–24 season opener. The Lakers are still in the picture, even if Denver came out on top. The Lakers and Nuggets rivalry dates back to the LA team’s four-game sweep of the Western Conference Finals in 2023. With a recent highlight play that reveals LeBron James falling for Reggie Jackson’s shot fake, it appears that the drama is still ongoing.

Was it a fake LeBron James? Or was he just tripping over a shoe?
After driving down the baseline, Jamal Murray found Reggie Jackson in the corner with a pass. James struck the deck as Jackson pumped-faked.

It appears that James staged his exit from the TV camera. On closer inspection, though, as seen in the live broadcast, James did in fact tread on Jackson’s sneaker. He lost his equilibrium and fell back as a result of this. But in the eyes of Denver supporters, LeBron suffered a shattered ankle.

The thrilling Western Conference Finals clash has plenty of great plays. The Lakers trailed by nine points at halftime, but so far, some standout individual efforts LeBron James finished with 10 points, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Anthony Davis scored 17 points.

If Los Angeles wants to close the gap with Denver, they will need to improve their defensive play. Furthermore, the Nuggets made 38.7% of their three-pointers, while LA only made 30%. The Lakers could go closer to the lead if they can make more long-range baskets.

With 19 points, Nikola Jokic leads Denver, of course. As the second half of the war gets set to begin in the Mile High City, it appears to be a fight between the big men. Maybe Reggie Jackon’s play against LeBron will unleash the beast and lead to a LA comeback.