Lakers News: LeBron James, Jamal Murray Postgame Meeting Paints New Picture Of Relationship

Friendly rivals?

After yourLakers fell 119-107 to the Denver Nuggets on opening night, the long-standing perceived beef between these two teams moved from the media to the court. 

The Lakers looked pretty rough at times, trailing by as many as 18 fairly early in the game and looking outright helpless against Nikola Jokic and the fast-paced Nuggets offense for much of the contest. 

While they eventually found their way back into the game, much due to the incredible per-minute production of LeBron James (21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-16 FG, 29 minutes) and hot shooting of Taurean Prince (18 points, 4-6 from 3pt range), they fell short. 

This was a game that felt very similar to all four of the Western Conference Finals losses they suffered last season, as the Lakers would fall behind due to Denver's pace, find their way back in, and Denver would respond stronger every time, and eventually close out the game much better.  

With regards to the trash talk on the court, things seemed pretty under control. With long-standing rivalries, the tendency for fouls to get harder, players to get chippy, and coaches to get heated all increase. But, everyone seemed to keep their composure. 

The fans however, at the end of the game, chose to do this. 

While you think this would lead to player animosity, it actually didn't, as LeBron was seen showing love to Jamal Murray and his younger brother, Lamar, after the game.

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This clip serves as a reminder that in spite of media-fueled narratives, most players have great respect for each other as athletes, competitors, and people. 

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