Key Takeaways:
- Luka Doncic recorded 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 115-107 win over Denver
- Jamal Murray tallied 26 of his 28 points in the first half for the Nuggets, who were missing four rotation players including Nikola Jokic
- Los Angeles overcame a 16-point third-quarter deficit, holding Denver to just 17 third-quarter points and finishing with a decisive 16-0 run in the fourth
Match Analysis
Luka Doncic put on a stellar display for the Los Angeles Lakers last night in Denver, amassing 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as his side overturned a significant deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 115-107. The visitors were forced to manage the second half without centre Deandre Ayton, sidelined due to a left eye injury, yet rallied from 16 points down in the third quarter to claim victory.
Battled for it. pic.twitter.com/TFEvxG1Eak
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 21, 2026
LeBron James contributed 19 points for Los Angeles, while the Nuggets, hampered by injuries, played without four rotation players, most notably Nikola Jokic, who has now missed 12 consecutive games with a hyperextended left knee. Spectators at Ball Arena, including Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II at courtside, watched as Denver built a commanding early lead, but it was ultimately erased by an energetic Lakers side.
First-Half Surge from Denver
The Nuggets looked poised for another triumph over their Western Conference rivals, establishing a 13-point advantage in the opening period and adding to their lead through a dynamic second quarter. Jamal Murray shone, scoring 26 of his 28 points before the break and providing 11 assists throughout the game. He capped off the first half with a remarkable burst, setting up Aaron Gordon for a lob dunk, assisting Peyton Watson on a 3-pointer, and sinking a dramatic 56-foot shot at the buzzer, helping Denver to a 71-57 half-time lead.
Lakers’ Second-Half Response
The tide began to turn in the third quarter as the Lakers tightened defensively, limiting Murray to just one field goal attempt in the second half and outscoring Denver 29-17. The Lakers drew level early in the fourth, then seized their first lead courtesy of Doncic, who knocked down two free throws with 6:42 left in regulation. This spurred a crucial 16-0 run that shifted the contest from a two-point deficit to a decisive 108-96 advantage in favour of Los Angeles.
| Top Performers | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic (LAL) | 38 | 13 | 10 |
| LeBron James (LAL) | 19 | 9 | 8 |
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 28 | 2 | 11 |
| Aaron Gordon (DEN) | 18 | 4 | 5 |
| Peyton Watson (DEN) | 18 | 5 | 3 |
Rivalry and Next Fixtures
The result added another dramatic chapter to the growing rivalry between these teams, which began during the 2023 Western Conference finals when Denver swept the Lakers en route to the championship. Despite their depleted roster, Denver appeared in control until Los Angeles unleashed their pivotal fourth-quarter surge.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will return to Los Angeles for a road contest against the Clippers on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Nuggets embark on a three-game road trip, starting with a fixture in Washington, also on Thursday.
