LeBron James is ready to leave it all on the court ahead of the Game 1 clash against the Denver Nuggets

LeBron James will make his 11th playoff run in the NBA against the Denver Nuggets. The Los Angeles Lakers met the Nuggets late last season and the latter managed to win the title. Many consider Denver to be the toughest matchup for the Lakers in the postseason. According to some, if LA beats them in the first round, it won’t take much from them to compete in the NBA Finals.

Twenty consecutive seasons of 25+ points per game. Continued greatness. pic.twitter.com/HmgnUbQQQ7

— Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) April 19, 2024

The Lakers play the Nuggets on Saturday and the defending champions have home-court advantage. Coming into the play-in tournament, injuries were a major concern for the Lakers. Anthony Davis suffered a back spasm near the end of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans. Of course, James has dealt with a few ailments that still bother him, especially around his ankle.

LeBron James feels more ready to take on the Denver Nuggets than he did last year

LeBron James and Nikola Jokic will meet in the playoffs for the third time in five years. The 4x NBA champion addressed the similarities or differences they bear between each other. he said “We have similar elements to our game that we bring to the table. Obviously, there are different names on the back of the jersey. But the way we play the game, or the way we were taught to play the game, is very similar.”

The Lakers, especially LeBron, had to deal with a lot of injuries during last year’s playoff run. James still claims he is not fully recovered. he said “Last year I was in treatment from the last two weeks of the season through the entire postseason. I am not 100% but now I don’t think anyone is 100%. But I feel better than last year.” Earlier this season, the former 4x league MVP was diagnosed with peroneal tendonitis. He began receiving treatment before heading into the second half of the 2024 All-Star break season.

LeBron James reminds the NBA world of his retirement

When LeBron James was being interviewed, he was asked if he takes the playoffs more for granted now than when he was younger. he said “No, not really. Because I know I don’t have much time to play the game I love. So, every moment I get on the floor, it’s a treat. Postseason, regular season, play-ins, in-season tournaments, everything is pretty cool. Because I am in the last few stages of my career.

📍 Denver pic.twitter.com/SQWgwITA9z

— Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) April 19, 2024

James has repeatedly highlighted the fact that he won’t be in the NBA much longer. He has always expressed his desire to play with Brony James before retiring. Broney has entered the 2024 NBA draft and could potentially play alongside his father next season. It’s very possible that James will play his final season next year or at least get one more shot at the title before hanging up his jersey.