Lakers News: LeBron James Shades Champion Nuggets Ahead Of Season Opener

James seems as motivated as ever.

As your Los Angeles Lakers head into the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, they are focused only on trying to win the NBA title again. It’s the only thing that matters to them, and they believe that they have the roster to do just that.

This summer, LA prioritized continuity with their core from last season over star-chasing, and it should help them this year. They have depth all across the board, and the extra flexibility should allow them to match up against any team in the league.

Star LeBron James gave some thoughts on his motivation entering the season opener Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets, and he seemed to shade them, if only a little bit.

"I don't get motivated against [who] the opponents [are] pretty much anymore," James said following one of the last training camp practices for the Lakers before the regular season tips off Tuesday in Denver. "I don't need it. I don't want to say I don't get motivated to play, because I do get motivated to go against the competition, I love competing against the best. But I don't need an individual or a team to motivate me. I'm self-motivated. I'm enough."

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN

James heard all the talk coming from the Nuggets after they eliminated the Lakers last season, so he will be ready for the game. In year 21, nothing motivates him anymore except the thought of winning another title.

Denver is just another team in his way this season, but he is human, so beating them would be satisfactory. The Lakers have been waiting a long time for their chance to redeem themselves for getting swept in the postseason, and this season opener against the Nuggets could allow them to send a statement.

The two teams aren’t fans of each other, and the NBA schedule makers knew exactly what they were doing when they pitted them against one another to open the year. It should be must-see TV to open the new NBA season, and we are excited for what this season will bring.

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