The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in a bit of a slump lately after making a promising start to the 2024-25 NBA season. Despite winning their recent matchups, they failed to win one against their arch-rivals in the West, the Denver Nuggets. On Saturday, November 23, the Lakers lost by a blowout 127-102 at the Crypto Arena.com.
In what has turned into an unfair rivalry, this was yet another humiliating loss. The Lakers had few options after the Nuggets controlled the second half. Austin Reaves, who was one of the game’s bright lights, made a bold declaration after the game. He was not satisfied with the performance of his side against a struggling Nuggets side.
Last year was last year. The year before was so long ago, I could barely remember what I did yesterday. Yeah, tonight they beat the s**t out of us.
Austin Reaves told the reporters
The growing dissatisfaction inside the Lakers organization was reflected in Reaves’ candidness. Reaves, who had just finished with 19 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds, was powerless to stop the runaway. The Nuggets have always got the better of the Lakers. This has more or less become a one-sided rivalry year after year in the NBA between the two sides.
Austin Reaves on the Lakers’ continued woes against Denver: “Last year was last year … Tonight they beat the s— out of us”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 24, 2024
On the other hand, as usual, Nikola Jokic used his signature creativity to plan Denver’s attack.
He outscored the Lakers’ standout duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis by finishing with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Lakers’ problems were exacerbated by Russell Westbrook (14 points) and Michael Porter Jr. (24 points), who went 3-for-3 from outside the arc during Denver’s crucial run.
Austin Reaves earlier spoke out Lakers ‘recent success’ at home this season
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be playing well at home. This squad seems determined to go farther after losing in the first round of the playoffs the previous season, and they are playing more effectively as a cohesive unit. The Lakers star Austin Reaves spoke about his team’s recent success in an interview earlier this season.
I think we’re playing good basketball at home, obviously playing at LA in front of our fans is always special.
Austin Reaves told the media
Austin Reaves spoke about the Lakers recent success and the team’s mentality when they went 1-4 on their 5 game road trip. pic.twitter.com/VemF2NK38w
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 19, 2024
Even while LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain this team’s unquestionable top two players, they continue to see progress from guys like Reaves. The team’s success this year may be attributed in large part to his continuous improvement as a player and teammate. It will be interesting to watch how Reaves performs for his side throughout the 2024-25 NBA season.
