The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-110 in their season opener on Tuesday, and Nuggets fans took the opportunity to taunt LeBron James and the Lakers with a cruel slogan.

The slogan, "Who's your daddy?" originated from comments made by Nuggets anchor Vic Lombardi during the Nuggets' championship parade this past June, when he referred to head coach Michael Malone as "the Lakers' daddy."

The verbal jab elicited mixed reactions from players and coaches on both sides of the ball. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said his team drew emotion from the pregame ritual, while Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said the catchphrase was "disrespectful."

James, who scored 21 points in 29 minutes of play, said he wasn't surprised or frustrated by the signs.

"I mean, I always want to be on the floor," James said, "especially when you have a chance to win or feel like you can make an impact. But I think there's a system in place now and I'm going to abide by it."

The Nuggets were presented with diamond-encrusted championship gold rings in a pregame ceremony, and Malone said he was happy to start the season with a win.

"There were a lot of emotions tonight," Malone said, "but they were all very positive." Ending the game with a win is a great way to start the season."