Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Wears Gru-vy 'Despicable Me' Outfit Before Demolishing Lakers
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is a villain to the rest of the NBA.
This may explain Jokic's unexpected appreciation for the "Despicable Me" animated franchise character, Gru. Jokic, 29, showed off his love (and promotional partnership) with the Despicable Me franchise with his wardrobe choice for Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jokic showed up at Ball Arena in a black top, gray pants and striped scarf, copying Gru's look.
Going from an inexpressive NBA star to cosplaying as an animated cartoon character was a wild turn for the Serb.
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 20: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets arrives for their game against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Gru of Despicable Me fame in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
It turns out that Jokic partnered with Illumination Studios (the creators of "Despicable Me") to promote the upcoming "Despicable Me 4" sequel.
The Nuggets star may be getting a big check for this promo, but his love for Gru also seems pretty genuine.
"I love Gru, love the guy and love the cartoon," the Joker commented with a big smile.
When postgame reporters asked about the Gru'vy outfit, Jokic admitted to highly respecting Gru and the franchise.
Jokic also appeared in a "Despicable Me 4" commercial during Saturday's slate of marquee postseason games that may be the funniest NBA collaboration since the KIA Hamsters.
In the commercial, Jokic is speaking with a therapist, stressed about some new "fans" he's made since he started donning his ‘Gru' outfit.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets arrives to the arena before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Much like Gru, Jokic is looking for domination.
FUN FACT: Gru's full name is Felonious Gru.
Gru aims for world domination, while Jokic aims for NBA postseason domination, striving to make the Nuggets repeat NBA champions.
Jokic and his minions started their postseason hot against the Lakers on Saturday, making L.A. and LeBron James look despicable.
Last year, the Lakers and Nuggets met in the Western Conference finals. Denver swept the Lakers and could be in a great position to do it again this postseason. Denver beat L.A., 114-103, to take a 1-0 series lead.
Since getting swept by Denver last year, the Lakers have not adjusted to meet the Nuggets' strengths. Still lacking depth, fresh legs and height, Los Angeles is doomed to suffer the same postseason script as last year, but in the first round.
Nikola Jokic finished the Nuggets' win with 32 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
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