There is no stopping Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, but that is the challenge that every Western Conference team must be prepared to face if they want to beat the defending champions. Since his journey to superstardom, Jokic has faced a variety of defenses, and on a recent episode of Michael Porter Jr.’s Curious Mike podcast, the reigning Finals MVP revealed which matchup has been the most difficult for him.

“I believe that was the bubble, right?” “I remember when [the Lakers] had three or four big men,” Jokic remarked. “[Anthony Davis] and [JaVale McGee] were there.” As the Timberwolves did with [Karl Anthony-Towns] and [Rudy Gobert]. I think such kinds of circumstances exist, but I believe my game or style is such that I don’t require only post-ups. I can play pick and roll, set pick and rolls, come off screens, and simply play in the open space. “I don’t think it’s just one thing I’m doing on the floor.”

The Western Conference Finals clash between Denver and Los Angeles on the cusp of the playoffs was intriguing because, while the Lakers had a talent advantage over the Nuggets at the time, they also had numerous bigs to throw at Jokic. This is something Jokic acknowledged when asked about his most difficult matchup by Porter, highlighting the size LA was able to use in the series.