The Los Angeles Lakers (25-16) face the Denver Nuggets (29-14) in a Western Conference showdown at Ball Arena, kicking off an eight-game road trip for the Lakers. Los Angeles is coming off a bounce-back win over Toronto but has lost three straight on the road, while Denver has dropped two in a row amid a rash of injuries, including to star center Nikola Jokic. This matchup could hinge on perimeter scoring and rebounding, with the Lakers’ star duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James potentially exploiting the depleted Nuggets’ frontcourt. Expect a competitive game despite Denver’s absences, as Jamal Murray aims to lead a resilient home effort.
Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV Broadcast: NBC/Peacock, ALT, SportsNet LA
How to Watch: NBA League Pass (streaming available)
Recent Team Forms
The Lakers are 3-2 in their last five, alternating wins and losses but showing defensive improvement in their latest victory. The Nuggets are 2-3 in their last five, with blowout losses highlighting injury woes and defensive lapses.
Los Angeles Lakers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 18 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W | 110-93 |
| Jan 17 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L | 116-132 |
| Jan 15 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W | 112-105 |
| Jan 13 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L | 108-115 |
| Jan 11 | @ Sacramento Kings | W | 120-118 |
Denver Nuggets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 18 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L | 87-110 |
| Jan 17 | vs. Washington Wizards | W | 121-115 |
| Jan 15 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L | 112-120 |
| Jan 13 | @ Utah Jazz | W | 105-98 |
| Jan 11 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L | 102-108 |
Injury Report
The Nuggets are severely depleted, missing their starting center and several key contributors, which could open up the paint for the Lakers. Los Angeles is relatively healthy but without their starting guard.
Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves (G) – Out (Left Calf Strain); Adou Thiero (F) – Out (Right MCL Sprain).
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic (C) – Out (Left Knee Bone Bruise); Christian Braun (G) – Out (Left Ankle Sprain); Cameron Johnson (F) – Out (Right Knee Bone Bruise); Jonas Valanciunas (C) – Out (Right Calf Strain); Jamal Murray (G) – Probable (Left Knee Inflammation/Illness); Tim Hardaway Jr. (G) – Probable (Right Knee Contusion); Aaron Gordon (F) – Probable (Right Hamstring Strain).
Key Player Matchups
With Jokic sidelined, the focus shifts to guard battles and wing versatility. The Lakers’ high-scoring backcourt could overwhelm Denver’s makeshift lineup, but Murray’s scoring prowess keeps it intriguing. Denver ranks ninth in assists but will lean on smaller lineups.
Luka Doncic (Lakers) vs. Jamal Murray (Nuggets): Doncic (33.3 PPG, 8.6 APG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG) leads the league in scoring and will test Murray (25.9 PPG, 7.3 APG) in a clash of elite playmakers. Expect high-volume shots and assists; Doncic’s efficiency (46.4% FG) could exploit Denver’s perimeter defense.
LeBron James (Lakers) vs. Aaron Gordon (Nuggets): James (22.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 50.9% FG) brings all-around dominance. Gordon (probable, averages 15.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG) provides athletic defense but may be limited by his hamstring; if out, Peyton Watson steps up.
Deandre Ayton (Lakers) vs. Dario Saric/Spencer Jones (Nuggets): Ayton (14.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 68.9% FG) is coming off a perfect 10-of-10 game and could dominate inside without Jokic or Valanciunas. Saric or Jones (bench players) will struggle to contain his rebounding.
Bench Impact: Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (12.8 PPG) and Gabe Vincent add depth. Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr. (probable, 14.5 PPG, 37% 3PT) provides spacing, but injuries limit options.
The Lakers average 114.8 PPG (projected win), while Denver’s defense ranks average but drops without Jokic.
Series History
The Lakers lead the all-time regular-season series 115-81 in 196 games.
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Recent matchups have been close, with the teams splitting the last four:
Mar 19, 2025: Lakers 120-108 vs. Nuggets
Mar 14, 2025: Nuggets 131-126 vs. Lakers
Mar 5, 2025: Nuggets 118-112 @ Lakers (previous season projection)
Jan 9, 2025: Lakers 114-110 @ Nuggets
Average margin in the last four: +7.5 points. Lakers have won eight of the last 10 at Ball Arena, but Nuggets are 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. L.A.
Betting Trends
Spread: Lakers are 21-19-1 ATS overall (52.5% cover rate) but 10-12 ATS on the road. Nuggets are 20-23 ATS but 14-9 ATS at home and 8-5 ATS as underdogs.
Over/Under: 228.5 (-110). Teams combine for 230.1 PPG, but Nuggets games hit under 55% at home lately. Lakers games go over 58.1% (25/43); Nuggets 48.8% (21/43).
Other Trends: Nuggets are 4-1 SU in last 5 overall but 3-2 ATS; Lakers cover 55% as favorites but 4-7 ATS in last 11 road games (+2.3 units ROI). Over is 6-4 in last 10 head-to-head.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – 2.5
Denver Nuggets 228.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026
