Just weeks after being unexpectedly traded to the Brooklyn Nets while on his way to vacation, former Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is already reflecting on his biggest battles.
The 2018 draftee isn’t holding back, especially when it comes to one of the Nuggets’ fiercest rivals. It seems the 27-year-old is still not over his time in Denver and recently discussed his memorable matchups against a particular Western Conference opponent.
Why Does Michael Porter Jr. Believe He ‘Always Cooked’ the Lakers?
In the latest episode of the Glory Daze podcast, hosted by former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, Porter Jr. was asked how it felt to go up against the Los Angeles Lakers. Without hesitation, he grinned and fired back with a bold claim.
“I love playing against them. I don’t know what it was, but I always cooked the Lakers. I just think that they didn’t really have a guy in a matchup for me that was trying to come off of screens and things like that, and I was able to get to my shots,” Porter explained.
“Some of the other teams we played down the road, they kind of had a little bit better of a matchup for me,” he continued.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Porter showcased his consistency, suiting up for 77 games and averaging 18.2 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. His shooting efficiency stood out, as he hit 50.4% from the field, highlighting his evolution into one of the league’s reliable scoring forwards.
Against the Lakers specifically, the Nuggets split the four matchups 2-2, with Porter dropping 24, 13, 13, and 12 points in those contests. While not always explosive, his steady production kept Denver competitive every time.
How Did Porter Jr. Dominate Los Angeles in the Playoffs?
Moreover, Porter didn’t stop with his general claim. He went on to highlight specific series where he shone against L.A., reminding viewers of the fierce battles that defined the Nuggets-Lakers rivalry in recent years.
“Those series against LeBron were dope. And then going head-to-head against LeBron in the playoffs, he’s the epitome of greatness in sports. And to be able to, like, go into LA. We swept the Lakers one year, the other year we beat them like 4-1 or 4-2, I think,” Porter said.
“But that’s just it was a good feeling. And when you have so much respect for somebody like I do for LeBron, and to be able to go head-to-head and and and come out on top, it was lit,” he added.
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His memories largely match up. During the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Denver swept Los Angeles 4-0, and Porter averaged 15.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and three assists on 40.8% shooting. This run included a pivotal Game 2 performance in which he scored 16 points with seven rebounds.
A year later, the two teams clashed again in the 2024 first-round playoffs, where Denver eliminated L.A. in five games. Porter was even better this time around, averaging an impressive 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds on 55.3% shooting.
It’s clear that while Porter is now set to embark on a new chapter with the Nets, a part of him still cherishes those Nuggets-Lakers clashes. As the upcoming season approaches, Brooklyn will be hoping he channels that same energy in pursuit of new success.