Mar 2, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Stephen A. Smith calls out the Lakers 'kryptonite'

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/5/24

On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 124-114. That means the Purple and Gold have lost their last eight games against Nikola Jokic's team.

On Monday, Darvin Ham's team bounced back with an impressive win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, until LeBron James and Anthony Davis can earn a win against the reigning champions, Stephen A. Smith said he can't take them seriously as contenders.

"We saw the Lakers once again fall to the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets," Smith said on Tuesday's episode of ESPN's First Take. "Can't beat them. Lost eight straight. How am I supposed to consider you a serious threat when the reigning defending NBA champions continuously abuse you at every turn?... They can't beat the Denver Nuggets, that's their kryptonite. That's the measuring stick for me."

.@stephenasmith doesn't consider the Lakers a legitimate threat in the West

"How am I supposed to consider you a serious threat when the reigning defending NBA champions continuously abuse you?" pic.twitter.com/mVDThg7jFv
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 5, 2024

The Nuggets secured a sweep of the Lakers in last season's Western Conference Finals. Once again, they stand in the way of LeBron's chances of adding another championship to his resume. Everybody knows better than to bet against the aging superstar. However, at 39 years old, James can't be expected to drag his team toward the finish line.

Jokic is arguably the best player in the world. He can dominate a game in multiple different ways. Davis has to rise to the challenge. Otherwise, the Lakers will be watching the NBA Finals from the comfort of their own homes again.

The two teams won't see each other again during the regular season. So any potential rematch would come with the highest of stakes. And Denver will be riding that eight-game, head-to-head winning streak.

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