LeBron James Reacts to Lakers Losing to Denver Nuggets in Game 1

LeBron James knows the Lakers have to start Game 2 better.

The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers faced off in Game 1, and the Nuggets absolutely punched the Lakers in the mouth early.

At the end of the first half, the Denver Nuggets outscored the Los Angeles Lakers 72-54. Not only that, but they had more offensive rebounds than the Lakers had rebounds in the second half - something that LeBron James took notice of.

"It took us a half to get into the game, and that was pretty much the ball game right there," LeBron James said. "We've got to understand that we've got to start from the tip-off. They punched us in the mouth to start. They had more offensive rebounds than we had rebounds in the first half, and that led to them getting second-chance points... I know the game is won in 48 minutes, but they set the tone in 24 minutes and we was playing catchup for the next 24."

"We've got to understand that we've got to start from the tip-off. They punched us in the mouth to start." LeBron on the #Lakers slow start and adjustments down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/CW6jRaLJjr

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 17, 2023

It's going to be interesting to see how both teams adjust moving forward for Game 2. Both Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic were monsters in Game 1, but no one was able to contain Jamal Murray who quietly went off for 31 points. It was a high-scoring affair for both teams, but LeBron James knows the Lakers need to be better in Game 2.

"We have to play better, we have to rebound better, I thought we did a good job of not turning the ball over, that's one thing we've been very conscious about in the postseason," LeBron James said. "We need to be better in all facets of the game."