Lakers Upset Nuggets 131-126 Despite Missing Doncic, LeBron / Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Despite being without Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and several other starters, the Los Angeles Lakers nearly stunned the Denver Nuggets in a 131-126 loss on Friday night. Austin Reaves (37 points) and Dalton Knecht (32 points) led a furious comeback, but Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray sealed the win late for Denver. The Lakers lost their fourth straight game, but their grit and resilience stood out in the near-upset.
Lakers vs. Nuggets Quick Looks:
- Luka Doncic Sidelined: The star guard sat out with left calf and right ankle issues, joining LeBron James on the injury list.
- Nearly an Upset: The Lakers stormed back from a double-digit deficit to take a 126-123 lead in the final minute.
- Reaves & Knecht Step Up: Austin Reaves scored 37 points, and Dalton Knecht added 32, keeping the Lakers in the fight.
- Nuggets Close Strong: Nikola Jokic’s three-point play tied the game, and Jamal Murray’s clutch three secured the win.
- Bronny James Plays: LeBron’s son, Bronny James, logged 16 minutes and scored five points after being recalled from the G League.
Lakers Upset Nuggets 131-126 Despite Missing Doncic, LeBron
Deep Look:
Lakers’ Grit Nearly Shocks Denver
With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and multiple starters out, few expected the Los Angeles Lakers to challenge the reigning champion Denver Nuggets. But in a gritty effort led by Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht, the undermanned Lakers nearly pulled off an improbable win before falling 131-126.
Doncic Joins LeBron on Injury List
Luka Doncic, who scored 45 points against Milwaukee the night before, was ruled out for injury management due to left calf soreness and a right ankle sprain.
LeBron James missed his third straight game with a left groin strain and had already returned to Los Angeles with Rui Hachimura (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (bruised knee) to begin rehab ahead of the Lakers’ upcoming five-game homestand.
Coach JJ Redick acknowledged the challenges of playing without key stars, saying before tipoff:
“Yeah, just the nature of a bunch of guys dealing with injuries and the schedule. But we are going to try to win a basketball game.”
And nearly win they did.
Lakers’ Furious Comeback Falls Just Short
After falling behind in the third quarter, the Lakers stormed back and took a 126-123 lead with under a minute to go.
- Austin Reaves dropped 37 points, leading the offensive charge.
- Dalton Knecht stepped up big with 32 points, filling the scoring void.
- Jamal Murray’s clutch 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left put Denver ahead.
- Russell Westbrook sealed the game by stealing the Lakers’ inbound pass for a dunk.
Nuggets Relieved After Escaping With a Win
Despite winning, Denver knew they had been pushed harder than expected.
“This isn’t a beauty pageant,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “We don’t get rated on our wins. But give the Lakers credit. They played their hearts out.”
Bronny James Gets Minutes
With LeBron out, his son, Bronny James, saw 16 minutes of action, scoring five points.
What’s Next?
The Lakers return home for a five-game stretch, starting Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Redick confirmed LeBron James, Hachimura, and Hayes remain day-to-day.
Despite another loss, the Lakers proved they can compete even when short-handed—a positive sign as they look to regain full strength for a playoff push.
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