The NBA tunnel for players has turned into a runway. Stars often used the tunnel to show off their pre-game fits, which can include an array of different fashions. On Saturday, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic took a peculiar approach.
Jokic arrived at the arena dressed as Gru from Despicable Me ahead of Denver’s Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN also notes that Jokic was featured in a teaser for the upcoming movie, Despicable Me 4. In the trailer, he seeks therapy due to Gru’s followers – the minions – thinking he’s their boss.
LeBron James Has High Praise for Nikola Jokic
This is not the first time the Nuggets will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs. The two teams also met last year, where Denver bested Los Angeles en route to an NBA title. The Lakers will have their hands full with Jokic, who is one of the favorites to win the MVP award again, and LeBron James knows it.
“He does everything. Does everything. The most important thing is he changes the way his teammates think about their own play,” James said.
“When you’re able to inspire your teammates to play at a level that sometimes they don’t even feel like they can play at, that’s the true testament of a great one.”
James Gets Honest on Jokic’s Conditioning
The Nuggets bested the Lakers in four games last year to advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers have beaten them nine games in a row dating back to last year’s playoffs. Part of that is due to the unorthodox game of Jokic, who has proven to be one of the best players in the game today.
“There are a lot of guys who are physical but don’t possess the frame that Joker has as well. And he’s in great shape too,” James added.
“Being able to match that intensity throughout 48 minutes, or however you’re on the floor and he’s on the floor, you have to match that. He’s damn good. And you just try to make it tough. He’s very good at everything. Offensively, he can do everything. You just try to make it tough on him.”