The Los Angeles Lakers are set to battle the Denver Nuggets.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has played against several all-time greats in the postseason, and is now set for his second playoff battle with Nikola Jokic in as many years.

When asked where the Denver Nuggets star fits into the picture for James when he thinks about the all-time greats he has faced, James said, “He’s one of the best players to ever play this game. It’s that simple.”

There is a lot of mutual respect between James and Jokic, as the two legends understand how difficult it is to beat each other. This will not be an easy series for either team, and while Denver is favored, they are prepared for a tough battle.

The Nuggets swept the Lakers in last year’s Western Conference Finals, but nobody on their side believes this rematch will be easy. The Lakers are motivated to get the Nuggets back, and this is a dynamic that Denver understands and is ready for.

LeBron James’ Strong Jayson Tatum-Nikola Jokic Statement

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James mentioned Jokic in this Jayson Tatum discussion

During an episode of his new podcast with JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James came to the defense of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.

Speaking about the expectations Tatum has on him to win a championship, James used himself, Michael Jordan, and Nikola Jokic as examples of players who didn’t win their first championships until their late-twenties.

“He’s 25 years old, and I believe he’s been to the Conference Finals four times, been to the NBA Finals once,” James said of Tatum. “He’s 25 years [old]. I didn’t win my first [championship] until I was 28, I think [Nikola Jokic] won his first one at 27, I think [Michael Jordan] was 28 as well.

I think we have a lot of expectations on [Tatum], but he’s experienced a lot of winning in his career so far. Obviously everyone wants to see him get over the hump, but four Conference Finals and a Finals appearance before the age of 26 – that’s elite.”

James makes a strong point, and nobody understands this dynamic better than him. Heavily criticized early in his career for not having a championship, James experienced what Tatum is going through right now, and probably to an even more significant degree.

It was also interesting to hear James use Jokic as a reference, putting the Denver Nuggets star in this discussion next to the two greatest of all-time.