In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver blasted the Lakers to move to 3-2 through five games.

Among the topics discussed:

+ Michael Porter Jr. missed his first game of the season with what the team called "lumbar management" and coach Michael Malone later clarified as a "back spasm." What's to be taken from the mixed messaging? Is this something to be concerned about? Or simply the team beginning its season-long management of a player with a checkered health history?

+ In MPJ's absence, Bruce Brown rained down 3s upon the Lakers, while doing a little bit of everything else along the way. Is Brown one of the bigger steals in free agency? Does his presence give the Nuggets insurance should they need to sit MPJ for extended periods of time?

+ Jamal Murray's return to the court has been up and down, with the team's starting point guard occasionally showing flashes on the offensive end, while simultaneously struggling on the defensive end. How long will it take Murray to work out the kinks on defense? What has he had to say about his inconsistent play to start the season?

It took roughly one half for Christian Braun to supplant Davon Reed as the first wing off the Nuggets bench. What are the early returns on the rookie? What's his ceiling? Should we expect him to make a nightly impact?

+ Are DNPs going to be a season-long thing for Zeke Nnaji? How long will Coach Malone continue to roll with DeAndre Jordan as the first big man off the bench?