The NBA season is finally back and it all starts this Tuesday, October 24, so we bring you the top NBA betting pick with this Lakers at Nuggets prediction. These two teams have had an intense rivalry in recent years starting from the bubble in Orlando where LeBron and AD got the best of Denver, and going all the way to last season when Jokic had his revenge as his team swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals to go and win the 2022/23 NBA Championship. Interestingly enough, NBA commissioner and the other big heads in the league have come up with a nice schedule where the opener is this intense rivalry, so we are about to see some fireworks, pressure, grit and grind right from the opening tip of the new season.
Ring Ceremony and Banner Rising In Denver
Just before tip off, the Denver Nuggets players will receive their championship rings, and together they will raise their first NBA Champions banner at their building. It’s going to be an emotional night for all of them. An absolute dream-come-true. A 47-year-old wait is now over and that will be commemorated and celebrated on Tuesday night. I believe this will have its impact on the game, and my Lakers at Denver prediction for October 24 takes that factor into account.
Rivalry In The Making
The Nuggets did a lot of talking after winning the title. Mike Malone had some words to say about the Lakers and how they’ve gone fishing. Even the Nuggets announcer chipped in at the title parade saying that Malone is now the Lakers’ daddy.
“If anybody is still talking about the Lakers in the NBA Finals, that’s on them. They’ve gone fishing. We’re still playing.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone on the narratives that formed in the WCF & whether that will continue in the NBA Finals
Make no mistake, LeBron and the rest of the Lakers have heard all that talk loud and clear. Regardless of what they say in press conferences and trying to dodge questions about all that noise, it certainly rings loud in their heads, and they’ve already circled all the Denver games in their calendar. This brewing rivalry and all the off-season chatter will definitely play a role in the most accurate Lakers at Denver prediction for the NBA season opener betting pick.
The Nuggets Got Thinner
The defending champs lost some of their depth this summer. Bruce Brown, who was their best perimeter defender and often a real spark off the bench, signed with the Indiana Pacers as the Nuggets opted not to meet his demands for higher salary. Uncle Jeff Green was not resigned as well, as he will now add his experience to the young Houston Rockets. Of course, Denver still has Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and the rest of what has been an excellent and quite dominant starting five.
Don’t Count Out The Lakers
Let’s consider the visitors in order to come up with the best Laker at Denver prediction and top NBA betting pick.
LeBron James embarks on his 20th NBA season, and it’s unwise to underestimate him and the Lakers. Despite a lackluster start last season, they made it to the Western Conference Finals. Kudoos to Rob Pelinka, who’s been the most active, and arguably the most effective, executive in the league since the trade deadline in February. Since then, the Lakers have acquired Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt who is an excellent defender, and Jalen Hood-Schifino while parting ways with…only Russell Westbrook.
During this period, Austin Reaves has become a pivotal player, shining in the playoffs, securing a good contract, and earning a spot on Team USA for the FIBA World Cup. At 38 years old, LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game last season. Even if there’s a decline in his performance at age 39, it’s unlikely to be too dramatic. Additionally, Anthony Davis demonstrated his dominance on both ends of the court during the playoffs when he was healthy. Together, they form one of the league’s top duos, complemented by a strong supporting cast.
This season represents LeBron’s final opportunity to secure a fifth championship, making it The Last Great Chance for him. Having said that, everyone at the Lakers organization, from players to staff, will do all their best to put LeBron in a position to lift the Larry O’Brian trophy which might cement him as the absolute GOAT. Let’s see…
Lakers at Nuggets Prediction
Our money is on the Lakers to exert a bit of revenge on the Nuggets for sweeping them last year. The betting value is definitely on the Lakers as the odds on Money Line are 2.80.
