Luka Dončić hits game-winner for Lakers before road trip

Dončić's sixth career game-winning shot in final seconds seals win over Nuggets

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Luka Dončić hit a game-winning shot in overtime to lead the Lakers to a 127-125 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. The win capped an undefeated five-game homestand for the Lakers, who now head out on a six-game road trip. Dončić's game-winner was his sixth career game-winning field goal in the final five seconds of a game, but his first with the Lakers after being traded to the team last winter.

Why it matters

The Lakers' win over the Nuggets, one of the league's best teams, in a playoff-like atmosphere highlighted the team's ability to win close games against top competition as they head into a challenging road trip. Dončić's game-winner also showcased his clutch ability and status as a "generational player" according to LeBron James.

The details

With the game tied at 125-125 in overtime, Dončić received a pass from Austin Reaves, dribbled left, and hit a step-back 18-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Lakers the win. Reaves also made a key play late in regulation, intentionally missing a free throw and then grabbing the offensive rebound and hitting a floater to send the game to overtime.

  • Dončić hit the game-winning shot as time expired in overtime on March 14, 2026.
  • The Lakers are heading out on a six-game road trip starting on March 16, 2026.

The players

Luka Dončić

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who was traded to the team last winter. Dončić hit the game-winning shot against the Nuggets.

LeBron James

A veteran player for the Los Angeles Lakers who praised Dončić's "big-time shot" and status as a "generational player."

Austin Reaves

A Lakers player who made a key play late in regulation to send the game to overtime.

Nikola Jokić

The star player for the Denver Nuggets, a three-time MVP, who was matched up against the Lakers.

Jamal Murray

A star player for the Denver Nuggets who was also matched up against the Lakers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just a big-time shot by a f--king generational player. He's just a big-time player, man. We wanted the last shot. We wanted to put the ball in our guy's hands.”

— LeBron James

“A lot of legends played here. They leave a lot behind with the Lakers. So obviously I did. And obviously, it was still a regular season, but that was a little bit of that feeling [on Saturday] for sure.”

— Luka Dončić

What’s next

The Lakers will kick off a six-game road trip with two games against the Houston Rockets on March 16 and 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Luka Dončić's game-winning shot against the Nuggets showcased his clutch ability and status as a star player, while the Lakers' overall performance highlighted their ability to win close games against top competition as they head into a challenging road trip.