The Lakers’ 2024 NBA Playoffs began with the same old song and dance as they lost Game 1 of their series against the Nuggets on Saturday, 114-103.

The Lakers had their largest lead over Denver in 2024—12 points—in the first half of the game, but they faltered in the second half. The defending champions capitalized, winning the game handily and kicking off the playoffs.

LA put up impressive performances, headed by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. In addition to 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, Anthony Davis scored 32 points.

The rest of the Lakers presented a challenge on Saturday. D’Angelo Russell had trouble shooting, going 1–9 overall and 6–20 from long range for 13 points. Austin Reaves scored 13 points on 2–6 from long range and 5–9 from the field.

Both sides got off to a fast start, with the Lakers leading by five points at the opening break. They were attempting to restrict Nikola Jokić’s ability to write plays by being combative.

LeBron took the lead offensively with 10 points in the first quarter, including a two-for-two performance from beyond the arc, thanks to LA’s ability to force Aaron Gordon into early foul trouble.

Their lead grew to seven points, but the Nuggets began to close the difference. Los Angeles was bursting at the seams with enthusiasm. The Lakers recovered, and by the end of the first quarter, they led by eight.

The Nuggets opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer, but the Lakers responded with a couple of baskets of their own. When the Nuggets attacked, they held their own admirably.

When AD began to dominate offensively, they increased their lead to ten points. Regretfully, Gabe Vincent, one of LA’s best defenders, picked up three fast fouls early on.

Nevertheless, LeBron’s fastbreak layup increased their lead to 12 points. LeBron and AD, the Lakers’ superstar tandem, were driving the team to victory.

After LeBron committed a foul and Michael Porter Jr. made a 3-pointer, the Nuggets believed that the momentum would change. As they narrowed the gap to four, that did in fact occur.

It was tied at 2:51, but Rui Hachimura put an end to the bleeding. The game became an offensive extravaganza with a faltering defense as both teams began exchanging buckets. LeBron stretched the Lakers’ advantage to three points at the half with a deep three.

In order to tie the game, former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opened the second half with a three-pointer. Both teams began trading shots and the lead as they went back and forth. The attack was clicking, but the defense lacked aesthetic appeal.

Joker’s offensive output had been well restrained by LA, but the Nuggets made up ground, paced by MPJ’s 16 points. They capitalized on the momentum to take a three-point advantage.

Denver was able to increase their advantage to nine points thanks to a 3-pointer from KCP, whose every basket seems like a dagger to Lakers supporters. The game had the impression of gradually separating from Los Angeles.

The Nuggets had all the momentum as the Lakers were unable to obtain any assistance from their bench or the remaining members of their starting five, and their lead had grown to 14.

D’Angelo Russell’s lackluster performance wasn’t helping the Lakers, who need him to recapture his shooting form in order to win the series. The Nuggets had an 89-78 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Nuggets had a 15-point advantage at the start of the fourth quarter. A major miracle was going to be needed to revive LA’s spirit. Despite making a three, D’Lo failed to ignite the team. The purple and gold tried everything to mount their renowned, iconic fake comeback, but the Nuggets kept the most of the momentum.

AD made two free throws, and the Nuggets were behind by ten points. After making a great layup, Taurean Prince reduced the Lakers’ deficit to eight points. With the lead reduced to six, the Nuggets’ momentum was gradually fading and the comeback was getting underway.

In addition to leading the defense with a superb block on Joker, AD gave it his all to preserve the Lakers.

However, the Nuggets’ customary late-game performance brought the gap back to ten points. The Nuggets won their eighth straight game against the purple and gold, finishing the game as they usually do when playing the Lakers.

Key Takeaways: 

D’Lo needs to show up. This is something that will probably be addressed repeatedly in this series. He is a crucial member of this team. The team as a whole thrives on his energy once he gets it going.

The supporting group for the Lakers has to improve. Austin and Rui must locate their shots. Though it’s a challenging task, they can succeed.

You might call this a feel-out game, but can we really call it that when every contest has ended this way?

Game 2 of the Lakers’ upcoming matchup with the Denver Nuggets is scheduled for Monday at 7:00 PM PT.