The Los Angeles Lakers’ red-hot start in the LeBron James and Luka Doncic era has hit a major roadblock. After winning eight straight games, the Lakers have now lost four in a row on Friday. Despite missing four starters and two key reserves, the Lakers managed to put up 40 points in the first quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, who secured a 132-126 victory.
The loss has significantly impacted the Lakers’ standing in the Western Conference. After briefly climbing to the second seed, they have now slipped to fifth with a record of 40 wins and 25 losses. Meanwhile, Denver moved up to the second seed with 43 wins and 24 losses.
Denver Nuggets Secure Victory Behind Nikola Jokic’s Strong Performance
Nikola Jokic wrapped up the night with 28 points while shooting eight for sixteen from the field and twelve for seventeen from the free-throw line. He also contributed seven rebounds and five assists in thirty-eight minutes of play.
Nikola Jokic tonight:
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) March 15, 2025
28 Points
0-4 3PT
12-17 FT
HIS NAME’S NOT SGA SO IT’S OK 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/GIH2chh5U9
Michael Porter Jr. added 13 points in thirty-three minutes, Aaron Gordon scored 17 points along with seven rebounds and four assists, and Jamal Murray had 26 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Christian Braun stepped up in the backcourt with 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Russell Westbrook contributed seventeen points, six rebounds, and seven assists for the Nuggets.
Even in the absence of their two biggest stars, the Lakers saw remarkable individual performances, particularly from Austin Reaves. The guard delivered a thirty-seven-point performance, shooting thirteen for twenty-six from the field and a perfect seven for seven from the free-throw line. He also dished out thirteen assists and recorded four steals in thirty-nine minutes.
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Rookie Dalton Knecht scored thirty-two points with no turnovers while knocking down five three-pointers. He became the first Los Angeles Lakers rookie since Kyle Kuzma to have multiple thirty-point games.
Jarred Vanderbilt filled the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in twenty-four minutes. Shake Milton added sixteen points, Christian Koloko chipped in with eight points and seven rebounds, and Bronny James scored five points in the loss.
