The 2023 Western Conference Finals will feature two teams that took remarkably different paths to get there.
The Nuggets claimed the No. 1 seed in the West on December 20 and never relinquished it, winning a conference-best 53 games despite essentially going on cruise control down the stretch, losing 10 of their last 17 contests. Since the playoffs began, no team has posted a better offensive rating (118.7) or net rating (+8.6) than the Nuggets, who have yet to lose at home in the postseason.
The Lakers, of course, got off to a disastrous start in 2022/23, losing 10 of the first 12 games on their regular season schedule. While things got better from there, especially once Los Angeles revamped its roster at the trade deadline, the team still occupied the No. 13 spot in the Western standings as late as February 26, which was also the day that LeBron James went down with a foot injury that cost him the next 13 games.
The Lakers persevered, finishing the regular season on a hot streak and claiming the No. 7 seed in the West before knocking off the No. 2 Grizzlies and the defending champion Warriors. Like Denver, L.A. hasn’t lost at home so far in the postseason, but the Lakers are winning games a little differently — they only rank ninth among playoff teams in offense, but their 106.5 postseason defensive rating is the NBA’s best.
The Nuggets will enter the Western Finals as slight betting favorites (-143, per BetOnline.ag), and it’s not hard to see why.
Denver is led by perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who is coming off a series in which he averaged an outrageous 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. Jamal Murray, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, is back in peak form, putting up 25.9 PPG and 6.5 APG on .461/.395/.915 shooting so far in the playoffs. And perhaps most importantly, the Nuggets seem to have the right complementary pieces surrounding their stars, including versatile forward Aaron Gordon, three-and-D wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and jack-of-all-trades Bruce Brown.
Still, there are plenty of believers in a Lakers squad that supplemented James and Anthony Davis by swapping out Russell Westbrook in February for valuable role players like D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley. With James and Davis healthy entering the series and holding the edge on the Nuggets’ stars in terms of championship experience, L.A. is only a +123 underdog, per BetOnline.ag.
We want to know what you think. Which team do you expect to win the series and represent the West in the NBA Finals? Should we count on a six- or seven-game series or will it be over in a hurry?
Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to share your thoughts!
Based on the responses to my predicted Lakers sweep yesterday, I know I’m alone here but I truly do see the Lakers as heavy heavy favorites in this series. I guess a sweep in reality is out of the question due to the powers that be and the money and TV and all of that. Plus it’s tough to go 150% four straight games you’re going to let up off the gas a little bit. So probably Lakers in 5.
Looking at the Nuggets roster I’m really not seeing a good reason why they would win. They have one Superstar and one other great player. I can’t stand Aaron Gordon’s game, he thinks he’s great but he’s not, and what does Michael Porter Jr do besides launch threes? He doesn’t defend and he doesn’t rebound.
I like Brown but isn’t he just a reserve with grit and effort and defense? Maybe he scores a little bit? Then Pope is overrated as a 3 and D. Who else do they have that I’m forgetting that has impact on the floor? Jeff green? He’s effective but 40.
Nuggets have a real deep bench and 4 string starters. Nuggets win in 5 games. Refs will get Jokic in foul trouble 1 game.
Nugs play a bench of 3 arc, wouldn’t call that deep
Braun and Green are limited as well from that group, Lakers much much deeper but this series will be all about the starters neways
I agree. Nuggets in 5-6 games. I’ll give the Lakers 2 games because of the refs.
No outcome would surprise me but it’s hard to see the Nuggets losing with home court advantage.
Nuggets in 5.
Knicks in 4….. oh wait
Don’t worry…now the media is pushing a Dame trade. That’ll workout as well as the Donovan Mitchell trade…oh wait
I know who won’t be winning anything this year…lol
Lakers in 6
Lebron and his refs
@clubber. Waaaaaa
Cry alittle louder
And the networks, I still remember 2002 game 6 Kings vs Lakers/refs/league/networks.
Lakers in 7
Jokic mvp
The Nuggets have been the most consistent team this year but come playoff time, it’s always about who has the momentum, even in tiddly winks. I’m rooting for Denver, but it sure looks like LA is a team of destiny. My only caveat is that the Warriors weren’t that top flight team they’ve been over the years and as such, old momentum might be a bit overstated
Think Lakers have the greater upside , tho it isn’t yet fully realized
Nugs have the time together, home court and the most consistent star in Joker
Think we are looking at 6 or 7 here. I have no prediction today, game 1 should show a lot tho
Father Time still has some work to do on LeBron. Lakers have far exceeded my expectations!
The biggest advantage the Nuggets have over the field is that they have been healthier then any western playoff team with the exception of Sac. That being said if the Lakers remain healthy they will dispatch the Nuggets
This. Assuming they get good health from Lebron and AD, I think the Lakers win in 6 or 7 games. If either, for any reason, were to miss multiple games though, it’s hard to see the Lakers winning. I’m picking the Lakers.
This might be a LeBron championship somehow…
It’s going to depend a lot on the refs. If the Lakers continue to get double the FTAs of their opponent, it’s going to be tough for the Nuggets.
I’d be wary of the Lakers, the Warriors really played soft in that series. Not to take away from LA but Golden State really turned in an embarrassing effort, no heart.
Defense wins championships. If AD can contain Joker Lakers win if not Denver.