Michael Porter Jr. on Their Matchups Against the Lakers: “They Always Thought They Could Beat Us… I Always Cooked the Lakers” – MPJ Reminding That the Nuggets Run LA
In an NBA landscape fueled by rivalries, star power, and playoff history, few matchups have carried more weight in recent years than the one between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s a rivalry born not out of decades-long bad blood, but out of recent playoff collisions, competitive fire, and the growing belief that the Nuggets, once seen as a mere Western Conference underdog, now own the Lakers.
And Michael Porter Jr., never one to shy away from saying what he feels, just added more gasoline to that fire.
During a recent podcast appearance that’s already sending waves through NBA media and fan circles, MPJ was asked about his experiences playing against the Lakers—those heated matchups that have defined much of the Nuggets’ rise over the last few seasons. Without hesitation, Porter responded with a smirk:
“They always thought they could beat us… I always cooked the Lakers.”
With that one statement, Porter Jr. not only reminded fans of his individual confidence but also spoke directly to the shifting balance of power in the West—where the Nuggets, led by the transcendent Nikola Jokic, have steadily become a juggernaut, and the Lakers, despite their legacy and LeBron James’ presence, have struggled to overcome the defending champs.
The Nuggets-Lakers rivalry took a definitive turn in the 2020 NBA Bubble when the two met in the Western Conference Finals. Back then, the Lakers emerged victorious in five games on their way to a championship, but even in that series, a young and inexperienced Denver team showed signs of what was to come. Fast forward to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, and the script was flipped. Denver swept the Lakers 4-0 in a commanding and clinical performance, officially declaring themselves the new kings of the West.
Michael Porter Jr. was a significant part of that turnaround. Though Jokic and Jamal Murray drew most of the headlines, MPJ’s size, shooting, and length caused problems for the Lakers’ wings and helped spread the floor in ways Los Angeles couldn’t counter. In that series, and in multiple regular-season matchups over the years, Porter has been a quiet assassin—hitting big shots, crashing the glass, and holding his own against high-profile names like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“They try to play tough, try to bully us with their names and reputation,” Porter said. “But when we step on the court, we just play basketball. And most times, we handle them. That’s just facts.”
The numbers back him up. Since the 2021 season, Denver holds a winning record against the Lakers, both in regular season and playoffs. More notably, in their 2023 Western Conference Finals sweep, the Nuggets outclassed the Lakers in every facet—coaching, depth, execution, and star performance. Porter Jr. averaged solid minutes in that series, showcasing defensive versatility and hitting timely threes that broke the Lakers’ momentum. While he may not have led the box score, his impact was undeniable.
Still, it’s the tone of his comments that really lit the fire. In an era where players are increasingly media-coached and politically correct, MPJ’s boldness is refreshing. This isn’t the first time Porter Jr. has spoken candidly, either. Known for his confidence and directness, he’s made headlines before for calling out defensive lapses, expressing dissatisfaction with his own performance, or voicing strong opinions on game plans. But this—calling out the Lakers by name and essentially declaring dominance—takes it up a notch.
It’s also likely to resonate loudly in Los Angeles. Lakers fans, long known for their pride and quick defense of the franchise’s legacy, have already taken to social media to respond. Memes, throwback clips, and counter-statistics are flooding timelines. But the undeniable truth remains: in recent years, Denver has run the matchup.
“They still look at us like we’re the little brothers,” Porter added in the interview. “But we’ve been beating them. That narrative is old. Jok’s the best player in the world. We’ve got a squad. I don’t think they’ve fully accepted that, but it’s true.”
That squad includes the ever-consistent Nikola Jokic, who has given the Lakers fits with his playmaking and unguardable offensive arsenal, and Jamal Murray, who elevates his game to superstar levels every postseason. Porter Jr., with his size, shooting range, and rebounding, completes the trio that has defined Denver’s new era of success. The Nuggets’ depth, chemistry, and selflessness have repeatedly exposed the Lakers’ reliance on top-heavy talent and inconsistency.
It’s also worth noting the mental edge. There was a time when playing the Lakers meant intimidation. The banners, the names, the bright lights of Hollywood—it was often enough to make teams hesitate. But this Nuggets core, led by Jokic’s stoic demeanor and bolstered by MPJ’s defiant confidence, seems entirely immune to the hype.
“We don’t care who’s on the other side,” Porter said. “Bron? AD? Cool. We respect them, of course. But we’re not scared. Never have been.”
Statements like that will surely be bulletin-board material when these teams next meet, especially with the 2025–26 season set to be another tightly contested race in the West. The Lakers, despite aging stars and inconsistent supporting pieces, always find ways to be in the conversation. They’ve retooled this offseason, and there’s no doubt that Porter’s words will be remembered the moment Denver and L.A. share the floor again.
From a basketball perspective, Porter’s role will be even more critical moving forward. With Denver looking to sustain its place atop the conference, MPJ will be tasked with being more than just a catch-and-shoot threat. Improving his defense, consistency, and playmaking will determine whether he can evolve from a complementary piece to a true two-way threat.
Still, his confidence doesn’t waver. Even when he’s struggled, Porter never stops believing in his own ability. That mentality, while sometimes drawing criticism, is also what makes him dangerous. Players who believe they can take over games—whether they’re the number one option or not—are the ones who hit the biggest shots in the biggest moments. And for MPJ, it’s clear: when he plays the Lakers, he thinks he’s the best player on the floor.
“I always cooked the Lakers,” he repeated in the podcast. “That’s not disrespect. That’s just how I feel when I’m out there. It brings something out of me.”
Those kinds of statements speak to something deeper than just a rivalry—they reflect the cultural shift in the West. Denver is no longer the fun young team trying to prove itself. They are the reigning power. They have the MVP. They have the rings. And they have players like Michael Porter Jr. who aren’t afraid to say it out loud.
The NBA needs rivalries like this—real ones, not manufactured drama. When teams like the Nuggets and Lakers clash, it’s more than a game. It’s a measuring stick. It’s old guard vs. new blood. It’s banners vs. belief. And when players feed into that narrative with authenticity, as MPJ just did, it makes the games matter more. Fans care more. Emotions run higher.
Whether the Lakers use these comments as fuel or try to laugh them off, one thing is certain: the next time these teams face each other, the energy will be electric. The Nuggets, led by a group that’s more confident than ever, won’t back down. And Michael Porter Jr., with that signature pull-up jumper and head-high release, will step on the court believing what he’s always believed—that he’s the one doing the cooking.
In today’s NBA, where narratives drive ratings and rivalries ignite legacies, MPJ has made his stance clear. The Nuggets don’t fear the Lakers. They run L.A.
And Michael Porter Jr. is here to remind you—loudly.
