The stars ascend to frosty mountaintops on Saturday night, with the buzzy Los Angeles Lakers visiting a steady, surging Denver Nuggets squad. Nikola Jokić, LeBron James and Luka Dončić are the biggest names on the marquee; Mike Breen and Doris Burke are the voices on the mic. There’s a lot to like here.
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets
Philosophically, these are two very different opponents taking the main stage. The Nuggets win quietly with roster continuity. The Lakers are wildly entertaining but worlds away from sustained consistency.
With the initial awe fading off the “Trade of the Century,” Los Angeles has on-court issues to attend to. They’re in the thick of the Western Conference, brushing off dispiriting L’s to the Hornets and Jazz. Dončić had more turnovers (six) than made buckets (five) in the Charlotte stumble. He didn’t play in Thursday’s win over Portland. LeBron James sure did, though — 40 points on 72.7 percent true shooting, with 11 turnovers and a 44 percent usage rate (!).
Austin Reaves scored 32 on Thursday, a rough night from the field but a steady one at the foul line. Los Angeles had 24 giveaways in that one and 18 in the Hornets loss.
The hosts have won nine straight games and have climbed up to second in the conference. Jokić is Jokićing to unprecedented levels. I’ve written this before, and I’ll write it again — Denver’s singular forcefield is flirting with a 30-point triple-double average and a 50/40/90 season. It’s not always the most conspicuous brilliance, but Jokić is appointment viewing:
The many talented pieces around him are thriving right now. Denver leads the league in assisted baskets. Christian Braun deserves more national love amid his junior-year glow-up. He’s doubled his scoring while jumping from 46 to 57.6 in shooting percentage. He flies off the floor and can swing momentum. Jamal Murray is red hot in February, and he’s gotten a lot better with each passing month.
Starting lineup to wear both jerseys (min. 50 games with both franchises):
- Nick Van Exel
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Orlando Woolridge
- Carmelo Anthony
- JaVale McGee
Read more
LeBron James drops 40 against Portland: ‘He … defies anything that’s normal’
Nikola Jokić’s ‘league-leading’ shooting, Magic’s woes and more NBA trends I’m watching
Mark Williams, agent dispute Lakers’ decision to fail his physical at trade deadline
(Photo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
