Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets-Lakers preview: Doncic and LeBron go up against Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets have the upper-hand in head-to-head matchup, winning the last five games. The Lakers won their last regular season game in Denver on April 10, 2022 by 146-141 in OT.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers face-off today in a must watch Western Conference game. As the Nuggets look to strengthen their grip for the second seed, Doncic and LeBron stand in their way.

Since the Luka – AD trade, Lakers would be playing their first game against their arch-rivals in Nuggets. In the previous matchup in November, Nuggets dominated the Lakers 127-102 as Nikola Jokic dropped 34 points and 13 rebounds.

The Denver Nuggets have the upper-hand in head-to-head matchup, winning the last five games. The Lakers won their last regular season game in Denver on April 10, 2022 by 146-141 in OT.

LeBron James has a new partner in Luka Doncic as they look to take down Nikola Jokic and his high-flying Nuggets. However, after sitting out the last game for injury management, it’s unclear how much run Doncic will get in this matchup.

Jokić at 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend: I want to see if [Luka] is really that good 😆

Buddies off the court, competitors on the court.

📺 Lakers/Nuggets: 8:30pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/0z6zHwDjQh
— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2025

Russell Westbrook faces his former team, and tensions could rise in Denver. After a disappointing stint with the Lakers, Westbrook has rediscovered his love for the game. He is averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.

Nuggets offense spells trouble for Lakers defense

With one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets offense will be an nightmare matchup for the Lakers defense. Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers could struggle to contain Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a triple-double per game.

The Nuggets have the second-best offensive rating in the league at 120.6. Meanwhile, the Lakers rank 14th in defensive rating (114.1). The Charlotte Hornets targeted Luka Doncic on pick-n-roll in the clutch moments which rewarded them with a win against the Lakers. With the best pick-n-roll duo out there in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, it remains to be seen how well does the Lakers defense hold in an intense rivalry match.

Also Read:

Denver Nuggets

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Docic

Nikola Jokic

Suryansh Kumar

NBA/WNBA Writer

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Hello, my name is Suryansh, and I write NBA/WNBA content for ThePlayoffs. I love sports, which is why I write and I love the NBA because of the stats. My aim is to find unique stats and perspectives to provide my readers with another angle on sports.