Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has made it clear he harbors no love for the Los Angeles Lakers, having publicly criticized the storied franchise on several occasions.
The animosity between these two teams has only grown stronger, especially after the Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last year.
This year, Denver added insult to injury by dispatching LeBron James and his squad in the first round of the NBA playoffs, winning in five games.
This intensifying rivalry highlights the contrasting trajectories of both teams: while Denver’s future looks bright despite their second-round playoff exit at the hands of a young Minnesota Timberwolves team led by Anthony Edwards, the Lakers appear to be on a downward spiral.
Following their elimination by Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, the Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham. They are now eyeing UConn’s Dan Hurley as a potential replacement.
During a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” Malone was asked about Hurley’s prospects as the Lakers’ new head coach: ” I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA,” Malone remarked.
Despite the daunting challenge of leading a team with the high expectations that come with the Lakers’ 17 NBA titles, Hurley is receiving considerable support as he contemplates the transition to professional basketball.
The decision on whether he will take up the Lakers’ offer or return to UConn to pursue a third consecutive National Championship remains to be seen.
