Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets coach throws epic shade at LeBron James, Lakers

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 6/17/23

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone is on top of the world currently and has every reason to be. His team is fresh off a 2023 NBA Finals victory, and the franchise appears primed to remain a top contender for many years to come. Malone, who's never minced words about any topic publicly, still appears to have no problem throwing a bit of shade after the Nuggets' big win.

Specifically, it seems Malone isn't quite over the fact that after his Nuggets team swept LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, James immediately opted to toss out the idea of potentially retiring. LeBron's comments shifted the entire narrative around the Lakers within hours of Denver running through them in four games in the Western Conference Finals.

Malone joined "The Pat McAfee Show" and discussed numerous topics, but one specific thing was how the media handled the lack of Nuggets coverage and specifically praise for Nikola Jokic throughout the series. Prior to answering his question, Malone made sure to take a quick jab at LeBron:

"Speaking of the Lakers, I just want you guys to know, this is breaking news, I'm thinking about retiring," Malone joked.

"I'm thinking about retiring"

Michael Malone #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/A0SwkxufQc
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 14, 2023

It was a well-timed comment from Malone and one that will certainly resonate with fans who were backing Malone taking issue with the media opting to discuss the Lakers more than his own team, even after the dominant series win.

The frustration by Malone was certainly fair, especially when considering Jokic, who didn't receive the level of attention he truly deserved until the NBA Finals, averaged 30 points, 13.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists and shot 54.8% from the field and 46.1% from three-point range this postseason. It was arguably one of the most dominant playoff runs from any player in NBA history, and at this point, fans and the media alike may struggle to find ways to avoid the Jokic conversation because he was simply that exceptional.

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