There’s been some bad blood between the Lakers and Nuggets since their Western Conference Finals matchup in the 2023 NBA Playoffs
NBA fans went crazy when Reggie Jackson seemingly caused LeBron James to fall before knocking down a 3 over him as the Denver Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Opening Night.
But video proof has emerged that shows that LeBron avoided humiliation as the Nuggets guard didn’t actually leave him with “broken ankles” on the play.
Video proof shows Reggie Jackson caused LeBron James to fall on a viral play from the Los Angeles Lakers-Denver Nuggets matchupCredit: TNT
Jackson stepped on LeBron’s foot, tripping him up before knocking down a 3 over the four-time NBA championCredit: TNT
Jamal Murray found Jackson open in the corner early into the second half before the viral play took place.
James closed out on the 6-foot-2 guard to contest his shot.
But after what appeared to be a jab step by the Nuggets star, the four-time NBA champion fell to the ground — before Jackson fired a 3 that made it 40-22 for Denver.
A large group of those watching the game rushed to social media to mock LeBron for having his “ankles broken” by Jackson.
In basketball jargon, that means a defender got faked out by the player with the ball so badly they lost balance and tumbled to the hardwood.
Some even suggested that Father Time is catching up with James and called on the 19-time All-Star to “retire.”
But more coolheaded NBA fans came in the Lakers forward’s defense, sharing clips of the play captured from another angle.
The videos showed Jackson faking a shot and then stepping on James’ foot, which caused the four-time MVP to fall.
“Reggie ‘makes’ LeBron fall before canning the 3 to add insult to injury,” an X user wrote.
“Watch the replay, and you’ll see he almost sprains his ankle stepping on LeBron’s foot, which is what caused LBJ to go down.”
Another added: “Clear offensive foul NOT called. Pathetic.”
And a third said: “Reggie Jackson stepped on LeBron’s foot and people gonna act like he got his ankles broken.”
There’s been some bad blood between Denver and Los Angeles since last year’s playoffs, during which the Nuggets swept James and Co. in the conference finals and then claimed the NBA title.
A Colorado sportscaster even introduced head coach Mike Malone as “the Lakers’ daddy” during the June championship parade, fueling the rivalry.
The Nuggets ended up defeating the Lakers, starting the 2023-24 NBA season with a 119-107 win.
Nikola Jokic dazzled on Tuesday night, logging a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Shaquille O’Neal then paid homage to the Serbian center during the postgame interview, saying “I love you” to Jokic in his native language.
