Michael Malone's Quote About LeBron James Is Going Viral Before Lakers-Nuggets Series

Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets) had high praise for LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).

Oct 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone before the game / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday evening, the Denver Nuggets will host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

Head coach Michael Malone met with the media (on Friday) and shared a quote about James that got a lot of views on social media (h/t Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports).

Malone on James: "What is it year 21? And the guy is getting better. He had a career-high from the three-point line this year. It's really amazing when you sit back as a fan of the game, and not just his body of work, but what he's doing in present day is incredible. Yeah, I hope he gets tired, I hope he wears down, but I have seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means."

Michael Malone on LeBron James: "It's year 21, and the guy is getting better...I hope he gets tired. I hope he wears down. But I've seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means." pic.twitter.com/ckge9isSRT

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) April 19, 2024

James finished the regular season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in 71 games.

The Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelcians in the play-in tournament by a score of 110-106.

Last season, they were swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.

May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As for the Nuggets, they finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record.

They are coming off a year where they won the 2023 NBA Championship over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

At home, the Nuggets have been sensational, going 33-8 in 41 games hosted in Denver, Colorado.