Luka Doncic Leads Lakers Past Nuggets in Thrilling Matchup

Los Angeles, CA – Luka Doncic scored 31 points on March 19, 2025, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-108 victory against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. The win solidified the Lakers’ position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Lakers, now with a record of 43-25, came into the game with momentum after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 125-109 in their previous outing. Austin Reaves had an impressive performance, contributing 30 points against the Spurs. Despite the absence of star player LeBron James, who is sidelined until March 22, the Lakers maintained their strong home record with this latest win.

“We’ve been playing great basketball at home,” Doncic said after the game. “Even without LeBron, we have confidence as a team. Everyone is stepping up to fill the void.”

The match started with a strong first half from the Lakers, who outscored the Nuggets 46-29 in the first quarter. The Nuggets responded with 30 points in the second, but their efforts were unable to bridge the gap as the Lakers continued to press on the offensive end.

Denver’s Aaron Gordon led his team with 26 points, a performance that included hitting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, the Nuggets struggled defensively, allowing the Lakers to shoot a higher percentage from the field.

Coach Michael Malone acknowledged the challenge his team faced during the game. “We need to bring more intensity, especially on the road. We cannot afford to start games slow,” Malone said during the post-game press conference.

The Lakers’ bench played a crucial role, with Dorian Finney Smith and Jordan Goodwin adding 15 points each to the score. This depth was particularly critical for the Lakers, who are navigating injury challenges.

In the third quarter, the Lakers maintained their lead, and despite the Nuggets rallying to narrow the gap to just six points in the fourth, the Lakers held on to secure the victory. Doncic’s ability to distribute the ball effectively was evident as he also recorded nine rebounds and seven assists.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will aim to continue their winning streak, while the Nuggets, now 44-26, will look to regroup for their next game. Both teams are vying for favorable playoff positions as the regular season heads towards its conclusion. The performance from the Lakers, attributed largely to Doncic’s leadership, establishes them as a formidable contender in the playoffs.