Nuggets Edge Lakers Despite Missing Star Power

DENVER, March 14, 2025 — The Los Angeles Lakers fell short against the Denver Nuggets Friday night, suffering a 131-126 defeat at Ball Arena despite a valiant effort from their depleted roster. The Lakers, missing superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, entered the game on a three-game losing streak.

In front of a packed crowd, the Lakers showcased resilience throughout the game, ultimately unable to close the gap in the final moments. Lakers guard Austin Reaves led the team with a game-high 37 points, contributing 13 assists and eight rebounds. Despite the strong performance, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

Prior to the matchup, the Lakers faced a challenging lineup of injuries, missing three starters, including Dončić who was unexpectedly ruled out before the game. The team also had a fourth starter sitting out due to being on the second night of a back-to-back game, further complicating their efforts against a strong Nuggets team.

Head coach JJ Redick praised the team’s determination, stating, “I’m proud of the group for the level of fight and resiliency.” He noted that the Lakers played well despite being shorthanded, with ten players seeing the floor during the game.

The Nuggets capitalized on the Lakers’ depleted roster. Nikola Jokić notched a double-double with 28 points and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray delivered in clutch moments, scoring a go-ahead three-pointer with just five seconds remaining. Murray finished with 26 points.

The Lakers managed to stay competitive, even taking a brief lead in the fourth quarter. Reaves’ shooting efficiency was notable, as he hit 50% of his field goals, including key shots in the later stages of the game. Rookie Dalton Knecht also stepped up, contributing 32 points, his highest scoring output since November.

In a notable moment, Knecht scored on a powerful dunk but landed awkwardly, raising concerns about his well-being. However, he remained in the game, demonstrating his commitment to the team.

As the final minutes approached, the Lakers were down by three when Jokić’s three-point play and Murray’s subsequent three stretched the Nuggets’ lead. The Lakers’ final chance for overtime was thwarted when Russell Westbrook snagged an inbound pass, sealing Denver’s victory.

Despite the loss, Reaves remained optimistic about the team’s performance. He stated, “We know when we’re fully healthy, we have a really good chance to beat anybody. Tonight is a testament to that.”

Looking ahead, the Lakers return to Los Angeles set to play five games in a week, including critical matchups against the Phoenix Suns. With LeBron’s health still uncertain, the team hopes to rally and regain its winning momentum.

For Denver, the victory placed them firmly in second place in the Western Conference, providing much-needed breathing room as they aim to maintain their position in the playoffs.