Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jamal Murray praises LeBron James: 'He’s been one of my favorite players'

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 4/30/24

For the second time in as many years, the Denver Nuggets got the best of the Los Angeles Lakers in postseason play. Following a sweep in the Western Conference Finals last year, the Nuggets sent LeBron James and company home following a five-game first-round series.

But without guard Jamal Murray, things may look quite a bit different. Murray knocked down two game-winning shots in the series and capped off Game 5 with not only a buzzer-beater but a 32-point performance to send Denver on to the second round.

After the game, Murray spoke about the Lakers and this series, but specifically James. The 27-year-old guard gushed with praise for James and admitted he’s one of his favorite players.

"When I was a little kid... I was wearing his jersey... he's been one of my favorite players for a time"

- Murray on the respect and honor of going up against LeBron James pic.twitter.com/EeKfpYdHaI
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2024

It’s a great candid moment from Murray, who’s now gone toe-to-toe with James in the last two postseasons and excelled in each series. Over the five games in 2023-24, Murray averaged 23.6 points, 7.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds. No game was more clutch from Murray than Monday’s, though, as he shot 46.4% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc while knocking down five three-pointers.

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