The Denver Nuggets grabbed a big-time win in Los Angeles on Saturday night, showing why they’re still the team to beat in the West. Behind another standout performance from Nikola Jokić, the defending champs outlasted the Lakers 114–109 at Crypto.com Arena, extending their dominance in the head-to-head battle with Los Angeles.
The victory gives Denver the season series sweep and inches them closer to securing a top seed in the Western Conference playoff race.
Game / News Breakdown
This matchup came with plenty of playoff implications, and it showed in the intensity from both sides. The game stayed close for most of the night, with neither team leading by more than 10. Denver leaned into its ball movement and clutch execution, while the Lakers tried to counter with physical defense and big plays from their stars.
In the final minutes, Denver’s composure made the difference. Down by one with under three minutes to go, the Nuggets went on a 7–0 run sparked by Jokić’s back-to-back buckets and a key Michael Porter Jr. three-pointer. The Lakers had chances late but couldn’t convert at the rim, and Anthony Davis missed a contested jumper with 15 seconds left that would’ve tied the game.
Denver closed it out at the free-throw line, handing the Lakers their third straight home loss.
Key Players & Performances
This game was filled with star power, but once again, Nikola Jokić showed why he might land his third MVP in four years.
– **Nikola Jokić**: 35 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists. Jokić was unstoppable in the post and ran the offense like a point guard. When the game slowed down, every possession went through him—and with good reason.
– **Michael Porter Jr.**: 19 points, 8 rebounds. His shooting gave Denver the spacing they needed. That dagger three in crunch time sealed the win.
– **Jamal Murray**: 18 points, 5 assists. Murray played second fiddle to Jokić but made smart decisions with the ball in key moments.
For the Lakers:
– **LeBron James**: 27 points, 9 assists. LeBron did everything he could to keep the Lakers in it. His shot creation and leadership were on full display.
– **Anthony Davis**: 22 points, 11 rebounds. AD was active around the rim but had difficulty keeping Jokić in check defensively.
– **Austin Reaves**: 16 points, 4 assists. A reliable option on both ends, but the Lakers needed another gear from their bench to match Denver’s depth.
Team Impact & Standings
This win puts the Nuggets (51–26) just half a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Securing the top spot would give Denver home-court advantage throughout the conference playoffs—a huge factor considering how tough they are at Ball Arena.
For the Lakers (45–32), it’s another missed opportunity. They remain in the lower half of the Western Conference playoff bracket and are now one step closer to potentially landing in the 7-8 seed Play-In zone again. If the playoffs started today, they’d need to win their way into the first round.
More concerning for Los Angeles: They’ve lost all four matchups to Denver this season, and counting last year’s Western Conference Finals sweep, the Nuggets have now beaten the Lakers eight times in a row.
What’s Next
The Nuggets head back home for a four-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the Spurs. With just five games left, Denver aims to close strong and hang on to the No. 1 seed.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are staring down a tough closing schedule. They’ll face the Warriors and Pelicans next—two teams hot on their heels in the standings. Every game counts now, especially with defending champs like Denver looking as sharp as ever.
Conclusion
Saturday night’s win proved again why the Denver Nuggets are built for the biggest moments. With Nikola Jokić leading the charge, they continue to play with poise and purpose. The Lakers, meanwhile, are running out of time to fix old problems. If these two meet again in the postseason, Denver will have both the mental and tactical edge.