LOS ANGELES — For years, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves on the wrong end of the postseason rivalry with the Denver Nuggets. After suffering defeats in consecutive playoff seasons, it began to feel like the Nuggets held a psychological advantage over the Lakers, casting a long shadow over their encounters.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically when the Lakers made a blockbuster trade for superstar Luka Dončić. This pivotal move has transformed the team’s fortunes, turning them from prey to predator in their clashes against Denver.

In their last three matchups, the Lakers have secured victory in two, with the third going down to the wire despite a depleted roster. Most recently, they faced off in a thrilling regular-season finale, where the Lakers triumphed with a score of 120-108. This resounding win, however, only scratches the surface of their commanding performance.

The energy was palpable before the game as Dončić entered the arena, his presence electrified by a soundtrack of Slovenian beats akin to an epic wrestling entrance. With a playful demeanor and a knack for showmanship, he dazzled Lakers fans with impressive trick shots during warm-ups, setting the stage for what was to come.

When the game began, Dončić wasted no time establishing dominance. He orchestrated a pick-and-roll play with Jaxson Hayes, paving the way for an early dunk. He quickly followed up with a jumper and a stylish finger roll, sending a clear message: the Lakers meant business. Just minutes into the game, they found themselves ahead 6-0, showcasing a momentum that would prove insurmountable for the Nuggets.

True to his flair, Dončić thrived on the competitive atmosphere, making sure the crowd was aware of his contributions. After a heckler reminded him of a missed free throw with a classic line, Dončić took the opportunity to shine, announcing that he had already scored 20 points by the end of the first quarter, helping the Lakers surge to a 46-29 lead.

“He makes the game so easy for us,” teammate Vincent praised, underscoring Dončić’s ability to elevate the play of those around him. “Whether he’s getting to the free throw line or finding the open man for an assist, he always makes the right read.”

The Lakers displayed unyielding resolve throughout the night, never relinquishing their lead. By the fourth quarter, they had built an impressive 30-point cushion, leaving a frustrated Nikola Jokić to watch from the sidelines.

While it’s worth noting that the Nuggets were without their star players, Jokić and Jamal Murray, this victory feels monumental for the Lakers, especially considering that they had previously beaten Denver when both stars were healthy in February. This speaks volumes about the psychological turnaround for L.A.

Moreover, the season series ending in a draw places the Lakers in a favorable position as the standings unfold, with them currently leading the Pacific Division while the Nuggets lag behind.

Just a year ago, the idea of the Lakers strategically avoiding a postseason matchup with the Nuggets was a common joke among fans. Now, with Luka Dončić donning the purple and gold, the narrative has flipped. Lakers supporters are not just hoping for another matchup with Denver; they are confident in it.

As the playoffs approach, the Lakers' reinvention under the influence of Dončić is paving the way for what could be a thrilling showdown against their former nemesis. The question now is: can they maintain this momentum and push through the postseason? Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely.