The league wants to see the Lakers versus the Celtics in the NBA Finals. That’s why the Lakers shot 80 more free throws than Golden State in their last playoff series. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, it’s tough to beat NBA refs.
Drew, Thornton
Kiz: Your brain is a terrible thing to waste on conspiracy theories. Boston vs. Los Angeles? Yes, major media markets boost television ratings. But Lakers-Celtics is your grandfather’s NBA. Newsflash: Magic and Bird aren’t lacing ’em up anymore. The league could sell Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets versus Joel Embiid and the Sixers in a showdown to determine the real most valuable player. That could be as juicy a story line as LeBron James’ pursuit of another ring at age 38.
We have the Joker. The Lakers? We’re going to smoke ’em. The King and The Brow are midnight floppers.
Terrence, Goldendoodle aficionado
Kiz: OK, let’s not get carried away. While I expect Denver to beat Los Angeles, LeBron James and Anthony Davis present more match-up problems for the Nuggets than any team they could’ve faced out West. The Lakers have been legit ever since they traded away guard Russell Westbrook, the long-time king of hollow stats. Coincidence? I think not.
The referees and the NBA’s “system” has kept me from being a pro basketball fan for a long time. We’ll see how much the league puts a thumb on the scales in this series. But the biggest hurdle for the Nuggets is inside their own heads. Can they mentally get the Lakers off their backs? I think they can.
Mark, classic-movie buff
Kiz: Since the Nuggets and Lakers last met in the playoffs, during the conference finals inside the bubble in 2020, Denver has improved and Los Angeles has declined. Enough to make a difference? I think so.
No matter how good new Broncos coach Sean Payton is, he can’t fix quarterback Russell Wilson. Bet the under on wins for Denver this season, for sure.
Michael, rambling gambling man
Kiz: Last time the crack staff here at Kickin’ It Headquarters checked, the over/under for Broncos wins in 2023 was set at 8.5. I do my serious wagering with Dow Jones, not Las Vegas. But I’m willing to bet you a frosty cold pop that Payton and the Broncos beat the oddsmakers’ current expectations for the team.
Dude, quit writing balderdash for The Denver Post and go flip burgers for a living.
SDK, born to ride
Kiz: Not leaving The Post until I get that offer to be a stunt double for actor Chris Hemsworth in the next Thor movie. People get us confused all the time. So I expect Hollywood might be calling any day now.
And today’s parting shot is from a loyal hoops fan delighted our dusty old cowtown finally has a team with legit championship aspirations.
I refuse to utter your pet name for Denver, Kiz. But this is an exciting time for the Nuggets to finally reach for the mountaintop. You are the best in your analysis of our local sports teams and my go-to read every morning. Keep up the good work, and know you will always be my favorite dusty old cowboy.
Chuck, Golden
