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Denver Nuggets were a squad suit for The King

By James Siegle

DENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Lonzo Ball and Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Lonzo Ball and Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Denver’s talent upside among league’s best:

The Nuggets’ brass aggressively attempted to meet with LeBron in July. Why? Tim Connelly and company knew they had something to offer. A rising, talented roster miles ahead of LA or Cleveland.

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Connelly was one-hundred percent correct. Denver’s roster plus LeBron equals a top-two finish in the West. LeBron wanted young players with future prowess? Check. ‘Bron wanted to score, but not necessarily play-make every time? Check. James desired a a team on which a dynasty could be built? Check. Lineup-wise, there is little not to love about the Nuggets.

To compare Denver with LeBron’s Lake-duds, let’s examine both rosters.

The Nuggets’ core features rising stars Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray. Nikola is one of the NBA’s brightest big man…and already one of the league’s best passers. Harris is of the Klay-mold, a premier three-and-D stalwart. Murray combines a sweet stroke and smooth athleticism – he could be the next Dame.

Additionally, there’s Barton the Thrill, and Isaiah, the 5′ 9 bucket-collector. Millsap serves as a steady anchor, and Lyles the high-scoring big. These four are studs, just a step behind the Big Three. They too, contribute mightily to Denver’s success. Factor in Michael Porter Jr’s future? There is much excitement in the Mile High, even without ‘Bron on board.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to feel optimistic about the Lakers. Lonzo Ball was supposed to win the NBA’s rookie award. He wasn’t even the best rook on his squad. Brandon Ingram is decent. He resembles Wilson Chandler, and is slightly above-average on a good day. Julius Randle showed promise, now he is gone. Kyle Kuzma may be LA’s best player, combining shooting and grit. Caldwell-Pope is an average two-guard, at best.

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