Lakers Struggle Despite Key Absences in Narrow Loss to Nuggets

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, March 15, 2025, missing several key players due to injuries. Starters Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes, along with bench players Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith, did not play, putting the Lakers at a disadvantage.

Despite their shortcomings, the Lakers put up a strong fight, losing narrowly to the Nuggets, 131-126. The game was defined by an impressive performance from Denver’s Jamal Murray, who has consistently troubled the Lakers in previous encounters.

The Lakers’ head coach acknowledged the team’s challenging circumstances, stating, “We reached deep into our bench, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our players performed under pressure.” The Lakers had been on a three-game losing streak prior to this match, making their effort even more commendable.

In the absence of their star players, the Lakers’ depth was tested like never before, showcasing resilience in a game that held significant implications for their playoff positioning. Despite their loss, the team highlighted their ability to compete against the No. 2 team in the Western Conference.

Murray’s impact was evident, scoring crucial points in the closing moments of the game. “We knew we had to finish strong against a team like the Lakers, and Jamal stepped up,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

The game concluded with the Lakers’ defensive lapses costing them the opportunity for an upset victory, illustrating their need for improvement on both ends of the floor.

As they prepare for their next game, the Lakers will be looking to recover and reassess their strategies without their key players. The coaching staff remains hopeful that they will have their lineup back soon as the playoffs approach.