Anthony Davis declares his lack of fear towards the Denver Nuggets.

In the Western Conference playoffs’ first round, the Lakers confront a familiar adversary, fully aware of the challenges ahead. Despite the tough battles ahead, Anthony Davis asserts that the Lakers approach the series with unwavering fearlessness.

“If they defeat us, they defeat us,” Davis conveyed to The Athletic. “We’re not shying away from any challenges.”

Across the NBA, there’s a growing sentiment advocating for teams to manipulate first-round matchups for favorable odds. For instance, the Cleveland Cavaliers strategically positioned themselves against the Orlando Magic by almost conceding their final regular-season game.

While suggestions circulated that the Lakers should have adopted a similar strategy to avoid the Denver Nuggets, it’s too late to alter their course now. Set to commence their playoff journey against arguably the league’s strongest team, against whom they’ve endured nine consecutive defeats, the Lakers must confront their formidable opponent head-on.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets casually organize watch parties as they brace for the playoffs. While cautious not to underestimate the Lakers, Nuggets coach Michael Malone expresses confidence in maintaining their winning streak when it counts most. Come Saturday, the Lakers face a litmus test against a formidable opponent from their past.

Despite their recent struggles, the Lakers approach this series with a fresh mindset, refusing to back down. If they manage to secure victories on the road, they can set the tone early and send a clear message to the Nuggets that this season marks a new beginning.

As for the Lakers’ prospects against Denver, their strength lies in the formidable duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both seasoned champions. However, the pivotal factor may rest on D’Angelo Russell’s performance, whose erratic shooting could significantly impact the Lakers’ chances in the series.

In the previous season, these teams met in the third round amidst vastly different trajectories. While the Nuggets surged in a dominant playoff run, the Lakers barely survived, needing a play-in to advance.

Though this season presents a slightly more balanced scale, the Lakers still find themselves outmatched in various aspects, relying heavily on standout performances from their superstar duo.

Regardless of the postseason outcome, the Lakers vow to confront their challenges head-on without backing down. The Nuggets, too, harbor the same determination, having proven their ability to compete against any opponent in the league.