(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE Photo via Getty Images)
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets largely stems from last year’s Western Conference Finals performance and the Nuggets’ constant shooting over the next few months. But there’s also some personal connection to former Laker and 2020 champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is now in Denver.
While the Lakers roster is almost completely different from the 2020 championship team, two mainstays are LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom are still linked to Caldwell-Pope to this day.
In fact, Caldwell-Pope recently revealed that he and his former Lakers teammate exchanged words before last season’s Western Conference Finals and were still communicating back and forth ahead of opening night, via Sirius XM NBA Radio:
“Last year, I thought it was the series before the Western Conference Finals and I reached out to him and was like, ‘Hey, man. I’ve been watching you guys, great job, man. Keep up the good work!’ And so on. … But then he said, ‘Yeah, can’t wait to see you guys in the Western Conference Finals.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re ready. “But just being camaraderie with your friends and being able to compete with them, it’s always good. They’re still my brothers. But we have to let them yell. It’s personal, but not personal.” We did something they hadn’t done in a long time, the Lakers got swept and we made history and made it to the Finals for the first time. “
“We’ve been talking back and forth. They’ve been talking to some of my other teammates and they can’t wait for the first game. Same here!”
This game between the Lakers and Nuggets is one of the most anticipated opening night games in years. While the back-and-forth between Davis, LeBron and Caldwell-Pope has been amicable, the same cannot necessarily be said for others involved, such as coaches Michael Malone and Davon Hamm.
The Nuggets felt like they didn’t get the respect they deserved after beating the Lakers, while Los Angeles felt like they were being attacked unnecessarily long after the series was over. Regardless, the time for talking is almost over and it’s what happens in the courtroom that speaks loudest.
Lakers’ Gabe Vincent expected to play in season opener against Lakers.Nuggets; Jared Vanderbilt likely out
The Lakers have brought in a number of new players this offseason in an effort to overtake the Nuggets, and after some concerns, one of the most important players is sure to be available on opening night.
Gabe Vincent has resolved lower back tightness and is expected to play for the Lakers on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for defensive ace Jared Vanderbilt. Many expected him to start for the Lakers, but a heel injury kept him out for much of the preseason, and it’s unlikely he’ll play.
Another new addition, Taurean Prince, performed well in the preseason and was named the Lakers’ fifth starter.
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