Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets: Can the Lakers Break Their Road Skidd?
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a three-game losing streak on the road, and they'll face the Denver Nuggets in an attempt to stop their slide. The Lakers, currently ranked sixth in the Western Conference, are 25-16, while the Nuggets, third in the West, boast a 29-14 record. The game is set for Tuesday, January 19, 2026, at 10 p.m. EST in Denver.
The Nuggets have dominated Western Conference opponents, going 18-7, and rank ninth in the league with 28.3 assists per game, led by the exceptional Nikola Jokic, who averages 11.0 assists. The Lakers, on the other hand, are 18-11 against Western Conference teams and rank ninth in the conference, giving up only 116.7 points while holding opponents to 48.7% shooting.
Despite the Lakers' strong defense, the Nuggets' ability to make 3-pointers (14.0 per game) is only 0.4 more than the Lakers allow (13.6 per game). The Lakers, however, have a higher field goal percentage (49.6%) compared to the Nuggets' opponents (47.1%).
Key players to watch include Jamal Murray, who averages 25.9 points and 7.3 assists for the Nuggets, and Peyton Watson, who has been on fire with 22.3 points over the last 10 games. For the Lakers, LeBron James leads the way with 22.6 points and 5.9 rebounds, while Luka Doncic has been on a tear with 29.5 points and 5.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
In the last 10 games, the Nuggets have a 6-4 record, averaging 110.5 points, 36.9 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 6.2 steals, and 4.2 blocks per game, while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points. The Lakers, meanwhile, have a 5-5 record, averaging 114.7 points, 41.7 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 7.5 steals, and 3.9 blocks per game, while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points.
Both teams are dealing with injuries. The Nuggets have Cameron Johnson, Tamar Bates, Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun out with various ailments. The Lakers, unfortunately, have Austin Reaves and Adou Thiero out due to calf and knee injuries, respectively.
Will the Lakers be able to break their road skid against the Nuggets? It's a question that has basketball fans on the edge of their seats, and the answer will be revealed on the court in Denver.
