LeBron James Gets Brutally Honest on How Michael Porter Jr. Terrorized His Los Angeles Lakers

Two years after missing out on his rookie year, Porter made heads turn when he increased his numbers during the 2020-21 season. In the 61 games he played, 54 of which as the Nuggets’ starting small forward, he notched 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, Porter injured his back the following year, limiting him to only nine games for Denver.

Porter’s fortunes would change in his fifth year as the Nuggets fielded a formidable squad with a core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. With the Joker leading the offense and a lineup filled with shooting, athleticism, and wing defense, Denver eliminated the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last year to face the Miami Heat in the Finals. And after six games, they won the first-ever championship in franchise history.

Los Angeles Lakers Star LeBron James Gets Real on Denver Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr.’s Offense

Weeks after the Lakers fell out of the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets found themselves losing two consecutive games to the Minnesota Timberwolves. At the same time, James shared his thoughts on the elimination in an podcast clip with JJ Reddick posted on X by BronGotGame:

Over the course of five games against Los Angeles, Porter averaged 20.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in almost 40 minutes per contest. He also shot 51 percent from the field, 45 percent from deep, and 73 percent from the free throw line.

With Jokic and Murray performing poorly against Minnesota, Porter will get a chance to step up in the playoffs. Add James’ endorsement of the forward and it looks like sky will be the limit for him.