Do the Lakers Have Even More Upside? Can They Keep Getting Better vs. the Nuggets?

All things considered, we really haven't had a lot of time to learn about these Lakers. Yes, some of the team has been there all year, but the crew we've seen in the playoffs is a creation of the trade deadline, and even then the number of games played with the core together has been limited by injuries to LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. So while we likely won't see a true top end for this team that would come with a training camp and a season of seasoning, there is definitely room still for improvement. The Lakers have already beaten the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors, both as the road team and both in (by NBA playoff standards) relatively easy fashion. Add in the fact that James and Davis are now 6-0 in playoff series as teammates when both have been healthy and available throughout, and there is plenty of reason to believe the Lakers can, and even will, beat the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals, even while acknowledging that the Nuggets have easily been the West's best team all year, have tremendous depth and perhaps the best player in the game in Nikola Jokic. So while Vegas says Denver, and it's easy to agree with them, nobody should have to squint too hard here to find a path for the purple and gold. Are there similarities between this group and the 2020 champs? What's different? And speaking of different, how might Darvin Ham shake up the starting lineup, compared to what he rolled with against the Warriors (whether in Games 1-5, or Game 6)? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have overcome a ton already this year, and nobody is sure what the upside is. SEGMENT 2: It's the same final four in 2023 as in the bubble playoffs of 2020. Kind of interesting! Plus, more on potential upside for LA. SEGMENT 3: Any lineup changes you'd anticipate? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices