Fact Check: Did Michael Malone ever say 'The Nuggets are Lakers' daddy'? Debunking viral rumor among NBA fans

Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets are trying to defend their NBA championship this season. The Nuggets are up against the LA Lakers in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. One of the storylines of the series is Malone allegedly saying that the Nuggets are the Lakers' daddy.

So, did Malone really say the line last season to infuriate the Lakers players and fanbase? Some people think the Nuggets coach utter the phrase during the team's championship celebration and parade.

It's the narrative on social media, with analysts like Skip Bayless using it to further troll the Lakers and LeBron James. However, some NBA fans are calling it a Mandela effect because Malone never said the line in the first place.

So, if Michael Malone didn't say the Nuggets were the Lakers' daddy, who did? It was Altitude TV reporter and host Vic Lombardi who uttered the phrase when he introduced the Nuggets coach during the championship celebration.

"He came into this world as the son of a coach, but in these playoffs, he became the Lakers daddy!" Lombardi said.

So yes, Michael Malone never said the Nuggets are the Lakers' daddy. But if the Nuggets get past the Lakers again this postseason, he might as well say it since it's what many people on the internet think.

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What did Michael Malone say about the Lakers' LeBron James?

Michael Malone said something about the LA Lakers and LeBron James ahead of their first-round matchup on Saturday.

Malone praised James for his longevity and ability to play at a high level despite being the oldest player in the NBA this season.

"What is it year 21? And the guy is getting better. He had a career-high from the three-point line this year. It's really amazing when you sit back as a fan of the game, and not just his body of work, but what he's doing in present day is incredible.

"Yeah, I hope he gets tired, I hope he wears down, but I have seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means," Malone said.

LeBron James had the Lakers in control in the first half of Game 1, so Michael Malone was right in a way, but the Denver Nuggets dominated the third quarter en route a 114-103 win to take a 1-0 series lead.

James finished with 27 points, six rebounds and eight assists but only had two points in the fourth quarter. The 39-year-old looked exhausted toward the end of the game, playing 41 minutes.

The Lakers have a chance to tie the series in Game 2 on Monday night before it shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4. They have not beaten the Nuggets since Dec. 16, 2022.