Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Prediction

Nuggets look to continue strong season against Lakers on Saturday

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:21pm

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The Denver Nuggets (41-26) will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (41-25) on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Nuggets are coming off a 136-131 win over the Spurs, while the Lakers defeated the Bulls 142-130 in their last game. Denver leads the league in scoring at 120.6 points per game, while Los Angeles is the top shooting team at 49.9% from the field. This matchup features two of the Western Conference's top teams battling for playoff positioning.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for both teams as they jockey for position in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. The Nuggets and Lakers are currently tied for the 4th and 5th seeds, so this could be a potential first-round playoff preview. The outcome of this game could have major implications on the final standings and seeding.

The details

The Nuggets are led by Jamal Murray, who scored 39 points on 11-of-21 shooting in the win over the Spurs. Denver is the league's top scoring team, averaging 120.6 points per game on 49.3% shooting. The Lakers, meanwhile, are paced by Luka Doncic, who had 51 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in the victory over the Bulls. Los Angeles is the NBA's top shooting team, connecting on 49.9% of its shots.

  • The game will be played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and will be televised on ABC.

The players

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' star point guard, who scored 39 points in Denver's last game.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' superstar forward, who recorded 51 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in Los Angeles' previous contest.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are the NBA's top scoring team, averaging 120.6 points per game on 49.3% shooting.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the league's best shooting team, connecting on 49.9% of their shots from the field.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to match the Nuggets' offensive firepower. They are a very talented team, and we'll need to be at our best to come away with a win.”

— Frank Vogel, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The outcome of this game could have major implications on the final Western Conference standings and playoff seeding. Both teams will be looking to gain an edge heading into a potential postseason matchup.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the West's top teams should be an exciting, high-scoring affair. The Nuggets' league-leading offense will be tested by the Lakers' efficient shooting, making for a must-watch game with significant playoff implications.