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Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray vs. Lonzo Ball is the rivalry we never knew we wanted

By Mathew Huff

LOS ANGELES - October 2: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets on October 2, 2017 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - October 2: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets on October 2, 2017 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, developed a heated rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers’, Lonzo Ball this past season.

The Denver Nuggets have never really gotten along with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, we saw Jamal Murray troll Lonzo Ball at the end of the game by dribbling around him.

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Denver Nuggets

Julius Randle who was the then, starting Lakers’ big man retaliated came and tried to gut check Murray. Murray has never been one to shine away from the lime light, especially when it comes to controversy.

He knew the Lakers’ faithful would hate him for the rest of eternity and that Ball and his family would cause even more chaos. For the Denver Nuggets’ fans, we relished the newfound rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ever since the 1980’s, Denver has never had a soft spot in their heart for the Los Angeles Lakers. This escalated all the way to the late 2000’s when the Lakers defeated them in the Western Conference Finals. Now, it seems the rivalry is getting sparked again thanks to Jamal Murray. Not just the team rivalry. A player rivalry as well between Lonzo Ball and Jamal Murray.

Jamal simply does not care that the quote on quote “next great Laker,” and yes I type that with air quotes because he is not that good, and is apparently supposed to be coddled. The Ball family is a cancer in terms of NBA media and hype.

Jamal Murray is by far the better player and the stats back it up. Do not believe me, then look at these numbers.

Murray’s rookie point per game average: 9.9. His rookie effective field goal percentage: 48.3%. His rookie free throw percentage: 88.3%. Murray’s rookie win shares: 1.3. Now let’s take a look at Ball’s numbers in these categories. Ball’s point per game average: 10.2 points per game. His effective field goal percentage: 44%. His free throw percentage: A putrid 45%. Ball’s win shares: 2.

While Lonzo does split the categories, the free throw percentage is horrible for a point guard. As a result, Murray takes the win due to how much more advanced he is when it comes to scoring the ball. Not to mention, Murray’s second year numbers blow Lonzo’s out of the water.

Jamal Murray vs. Lonzo Ball is the rivalry we never knew we wanted.

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It seems this is the beginning of a competitive rivalry which will have both fan bases going back and forth for years to come.

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