In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers had a hard time stopping Nikola Jokic, the superstar center for the Denver Nuggets.

It appears that the impression he had on Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell during that series was enduring, as Russell has since proclaimed that Serbian center Nikola Vucevic is the finest player in the NBA.

During an interview on Patrick Beverley’s podcast, Russell commented, “Yea, they got the best player in basketball.” They signed the best basketball player in the country. He is, without a doubt, the best NBA player right now. Definitely not.

When asked if he thought the Nuggets were given proper credit for their championship victory over the Heat last year, Russell gave his opinion.

Against the Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Jokic averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 50.6% field goal shooting and 47.1% three-point shooting. As a result of his performance throughout the sweep, he was named the series’ Most Valuable Player.

Russell, however, shot a dismal 32.3 percent from the field and 13.3 percent from deep in the conference finals versus Denver, averaging 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists a game. When he was taken out of the starting lineup for Game 4 of the series, he Һit rock bottom.

Russell signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the Lakers despite the season’s disappointing conclusion. The contract has a player option for the second year, which the graduate of Ohio State University has.

Even though he appears to be the team’s starting point guard heading into the new season, summer newcomer Gabe Vincent is said to have a “legitimate chance” to displace him.

Even though Russell has a new contract, he is still the subject of trade rumors. It wouldn’t be if the Lakers dealt Russell, a former All-Star, early in the season if Vincent outperforms him.

However, he is still a member of the Lakers for the time being and will no doubt be hoping for another shot at Jokic and the Nuggets. After yet another outstanding year, many felt that Jokic deserved Most Valuable Player honors for a third straight season. The accolade, however, went to Joel Embiid, the center for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jokic ended up with what most NBA players covet most: a championship. His Finals stat line of 30.2-points, 14.0-rebounds, and 7.2-assists per game was enough to earn him the MVP award.

This season, Russell aspires to put himself in position to win a championship with the Lakers.