Jamal Murray reignites Lakers rivalry with goodbye taunt to KCP

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) wrote the latest chapter in his rivalry with the Lakers Tuesday. (Kathy Willens/AP)

Jamal Murray continues to be the NBA’s most entertaining Canadian — especially when he faces the Los Angeles Lakers.

During last night’s 117-85 Denver Nuggets win, Murray rounded out the trilogy in his rivalry with one of basketball’s most storied franchises. In the second quarter, he bested Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a fastbreak with a pump fake and then waved goodbye to him on his way back down the court.

The origin of Murray’s Lakers rivalry dates back to December of last year. As the clock ran down on a 115-110 Nuggets victory, Murray broke one of basketball’s unwritten rules by opting to dribble around then-rookie Lonzo Ball instead of simply letting time run out.

There was backlash, both in the moment and on Twitter.

But it didn’t end there. In their next meeting, once more with the game already in hand, Murray attempted to pump up the Nuggets’ home crowd — and did so directly in front of Lakers head coach Luke Walton’s face.

Walton wasn’t happy. He stepped onto the court and said his choice words and appeared ready to go to blows over the incident. Ultimately no second coming of the Malice at the Palace ensued.

It’s the second time this season Murray has found himself making highlight reels for being a showman. Earlier this month he shot a late three-pointer in a bid to score 50 points against the Boston Celtics that drew the ire of Kyrie Irving.

Denver and the Lakers won’t meet again until March 6, but all good sequels take time.

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