LeBron James scored 30 points, Anthony Davis added 25 points and 23 rebounds, and the Lakers avoided quick elimination from the NBA Western Conference quarterfinals.
Los Angeles beat the Nuggets 119-108 on Saturday to improve their four-game winning streak to 1-3.
Before that, the Lakers, who finished seventh in the West in the regular season, had lost as many as 11 consecutive games to the Nuggets.
“The forecast is not on our side, but as long as we can stay above water and have a chance, we want to take on this challenge,” said Austin Reaves, who had 21 points for the Lakers.
Nikola Jokic scored 33 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists for the Denver team.
It was the Serbian’s 18th triple-double and second of the streak, but this time defending NBA champions Denver didn’t have much of a chance against the Lakers and James, who is in his 21st season in the league.
“Our defense around the basket was a joke,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after counting the Nuggets’ 72 free-throw points.
Game 5 is in Denver on Monday.
NBA results for Saturday’s games:
“New Orleans Pelicans” (J. Valančiūnas 7) – “Oklahoma City Thunder” 85:106. Series 0-3.
Los Angeles Lakers – Denver Nuggets 119-108. Series 1-3
Miami Heat – Boston Celtics 84-104. Series 1-2.
Orlando Magic – Cleveland Cavaliers 112-89. Series 2-2.
Tags: Nikola Jokic collected triple double celebration court LeBron James
