Lakers vs Nuggets Game Analysis
Here we have two teams vying for the top position of a crowded third-place race in the Western Conference. At the bottom end are the Suns, with 35 wins, and at the top are the Rockets with 38 wins (and two games in hand). Three other teams are in the middle. The Timberwolves have 39 wins, the Nuggets 38, and the Lakers 37.
Both teams have had a rough ride over the last 10 games, with only 5 wins apiece, but the Lakers look like they’re on an upswing with 3 wins in a row. Part of that is due to an easier schedule, but every win builds confidence.
The Lakers will meet the Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on March 5, 2026. Join us at this Lakers vs Nuggets prediction and analysis to see which team has more advantage at PayPerHead.
Los Angeles Lakers Recent Scores
They won their last three games, but two of those opponents are at the bottom of the conference. Before that, they lost three games to tough teams, including the Suns, Magic, and Celtics. For two of those games, they were within 3 points. The other one was against the Celtics (89-111, Feb 22). Except for that game, the Lakers have scored 100 or more points in their last 15 games, averaging 115.5 PPG.
There’s no disputing their firepower, and their defense is doing well overall. In those last 15 games, they allowed an average of 111.1 PPG. So why have they only won 5 of their last 10 games?
Altitude ahead. Next stop: Denver @Delta | #LakeShowLiftOff pic.twitter.com/l5QabAf4FL
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 4, 2026
Denver Nuggets Recent Scores
Except for their most recent game against the Jazz (which they won 128-125), they’ve had a tough schedule of late, going against the Thunder, Timberwolves and Celtics. The highlight of their win against the Jazz is Jamal Murray’s team-leading 45 points, along with 8 assists and 8 three-pointers.
Their elite offense is averaging 122.3 PPG in their last 10 outings, while their defense has allowed 115.4 PPG during that same stretch. It’s all about the run-and-gun.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets History
They’ve met once already this season, with the Lakers winning on the road. Luka Dončić dropped a team-high 38 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 3 three-pointers, while his teammate, LeBron James, contributed 19 points to help the Lakers pull off the win 115-107.
Jamal Murray added a team-high (at the time) 28 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets.
When Dončić and James play well together, the Lakers are hard to beat.
Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets have a slight edge as the home favorites, with odds anywhere from -3.5 to -5.5. The over/under is high, as you would expect, at around 240.5. When you’re looking at that many baskets, it gets harder to predict a close game.
Dončić and James were the dynamic duo the last time these offensive powerhouses met. But there’s Murray, who outdid himself against the Jazz.
Unfortunately, the Nuggets have several injured players. They’re all considered day-to-day, but it’s not looking promising. Aaron Gordon is potentially out with a hamstring strain, as is Payton Watson. Spencer Jones has a right shoulder strain, while Cameron Johnson has a sore right ankle.
The Lakers might be without Maxi Kleber due to a sore back, but otherwise are healthy. This could be a nail-biter, but I’m going to pick the Nuggets to win 124-121. Do you think this one will go into overtime?
