'We Can't Summarily Dismiss What We've Seen': Stephen A. Smith Surprisingly Backs Lakers as One of Two Teams That Could Topple Nikola Jokic's Nuggets

On the back of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic's peak, the Denver Nuggets are enjoying a lengthy spell of dominance. After winning the championship in 2022-23, they were on course to repeat the heroics but a blunder against the Minnesota Timberwolves in playoffs- letting the lead slip away in game 7- left them much to rue. Nevertheless, the Nuggets got the better of the Lakers in both seasons, eliminating them both times. Both the teams could cross paths at the crucial juncture of this season as well. Should they do, Stephen A. Smith has picked the Lakers to get the better of Denver this time.

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Stephen A. Smith Surprisingly Picks Lakers As One Of The Two Teams Who Could Beat the Nuggets

On ESPN’s First Take, Smith crowned the Lakers and the West’s best, Oklahoma City Thunder, as the two teams able to beat the Nuggets, heaping extra praise on the Purple and Gold.

“I would tell you Oklahoma City, obviously, and the Lakers,” Smith said. “We can’t summarily dismiss what we’ve seen from the Lakers defensively over the last three months where they’ve been the one of the best defensive teams in all of basketball. So, I see that, and I see Denver’s lack of depth as problematic.”

Contrary to the past seasons, the Nuggets have looked more beatable this time around, and when it comes to the contest against the Lakers, they have suffered defeat against them twice this season. Both the teams are sitting at adjacent places on the Western Conference table. Hence, an even contest is expected to take place if they meet further down in the season. But Stephen A. Smith giving the Lakers the upper hand in the matchup comes as surprising as the famed analyst has been one of the biggest critics of the LA Lakers and LeBron James. But considering he has pointed out the defensive solidarity of the Lakers, he may be right on the point.

Stephen A. also backed Oklahoma to come out as the winner against the Nuggets. But did not state any reason behind his assessment. However, since the Oklahoma City Thunder have proven to be a force to be reckoned with this season and are leading the West zone with a phenomenal record of 59-12, it does not take much guessing as to why OCT has been kept as the other favorable side to potentially topple the Nuggets.