Denver Nuggets at L.A. Lakers: Preseason preview

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 13: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 13, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 13: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 13, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The wait if finally over! Our Denver Nuggets are back in action as they look to de-throne the King and his new team.

The last time we saw the Denver Nuggets in action, they were in a fight for their post season lives with division rival, Minnesota.

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Of course, we all know the outcome of that game as the Nuggets suffered a heartbreaking defeat in overtime.

After what seems to be a never ending off season, the Denver Nuggets will be tested right off the bat as they open their preseason against LeBron James and his new squad in the Los Angeles Lakers. The Denver Nuggets will be hungry to make a statement, but they cannot get overconfident.

By now, every team should know better than to overlook a LeBron James led team regardless of his supporting cast. With the game being in Los Angeles, the Nuggets need to come out strong and play disciplined basketball in order to have a shot at winning. This means limiting their turnovers to less than their average on the road from a year ago which was 15 per game according to NBA.com.

Since this is the first preseason game of the NBA season, do not expect the stars of each team to play heavy minutes. Guys like LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap may only play until the first media time out.

The players who we will see more of are the guys vying for heavy minutes or a spot on the active roster. Players such as Malik Beasley, Tyler Lydon, Thomas Welsh and Monte Morris.

The Denver Nuggets have a talented roster, especially with the addition of Isaiah Thomas, coming into this year and they will showcase why they should be taken seriously by the rest of the league this season.

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Whether you are a fan of the Lakers or Nuggets, there is one thing we can all agree on for this game; Thank God NBA basketball is finally back!