Lakers Fans Eye Nikola Jokić as He Continues to Dominate ‘He’s the Best Big Man in the League’
Nikola Jokić has long been a source of frustration for Lakers fans, and with each passing game, he seems to add to his growing legacy as one of the NBA’s most dominant players. After leading the Denver Nuggets to two playoff series wins over the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s no surprise that Lakers Nation continues to keep a close eye on The Joker, especially when he’s not even facing them.
On Thursday night, Jokić reminded fans of his incredible skill set when he sank a jaw-dropping halfcourt shot at the end of the third quarter during the Nuggets’ game against the Sacramento Kings. Despite the Nuggets playing against another team, Lakers fans took to social media, recalling the numerous times Jokić has hit improbable shots in the postseason, including several buzzer-beating fadeaways in 2023.
One fan couldn’t help but reminisce: “Them turn around buzzer-beating fadeaway 3s in 2023 was bad enough,” referencing the series where Jokić hit clutch shots with Anthony Davis defending him. Another added, “Nah bro was doing that with AD’s pterodactyl hands in his face at the end of the shot clock every time we made a run in 2023.”
The memories from those playoff matchups remain fresh, and fans are already looking ahead. One speculated, “He’s waiting to do it in our 4/5 matchup in April.” Another made an even more precise prediction: “He’s saving it for a game-winning shot in Round 1, Game 3 against the Lakers.”
With so much focus on Jokić, it’s clear what the Lakers must do to contend with the reigning MVP. “Jokić has to be nerfed,” one fan bluntly stated, acknowledging the challenge of stopping a player who seems to be getting better with each season.
Shaq’s High Praise for Jokić: ‘You’re the Best Big Man in the League’
Jokić’s status as the top big man in the NBA is now universally acknowledged, even by the greats. In a game on Tuesday, Jokić delivered another dominant performance, posting a triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Nuggets crushed the Philadelphia 76ers 144-109.
After the game, Shaquille O’Neal presented Jokić with a custom-made championship belt, reading “Big Man Alliance” on the center plate. “As the president of the ‘Big Man Alliance,’ I made this belt for you,” Shaq said as he handed it to the smiling Jokić. “You’re the best big man in the league by far, and I love and appreciate you.”
Jokić accepted the gesture with humility, clearly appreciative of O’Neal’s recognition. Shaq’s praise, coming from one of the NBA’s all-time great centers, is a testament to Jokić’s dominance and growing legacy as one of the best big men to ever play the game.
With the Lakers and Nuggets likely on another playoff collision course, it will be interesting to see how Los Angeles plans to contain Jokić’s expanding skill set. For now, though, it’s clear that the Joker’s influence continues to reverberate, even when he’s not directly facing the purple and gold.
