Nuggets' Jamal Murray shuts down 'Laker killer' narrative with 45-point performance

Murray dismisses notion that he plays with more intensity against the Lakers

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray shut down the narrative that he is a 'Laker killer' after scoring 45 points in a recent game against the Utah Jazz. When asked if he plays with more intensity against the Los Angeles Lakers, Murray simply replied 'I had 45 last game', indicating that he is focused on scoring regardless of the opponent. Murray followed up his 45-point outburst with a 28-point performance against the Lakers, helping the Nuggets to a 120-113 victory.

Why it matters

The 'Laker killer' narrative has followed Murray for years, but his recent performances show that he is simply a dominant scorer who brings the same intensity every night. This helps dispel the notion that he only plays well against the Lakers, a perception that could have limited his recognition as one of the league's elite players.

The details

In the Nuggets' 120-113 win over the Lakers, Murray scored 28 points, with 20 of those coming in the first half as Denver jumped out to a big lead. Teammate Nikola Jokic also had a big game, recording a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. For the Lakers, LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career field goals record, but left the game briefly due to an elbow injury. Luka Doncic led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points.

  • On March 6, 2026, the Nuggets defeated the Lakers 120-113.
  • Just three nights prior, on March 3, 2026, Jamal Murray scored 45 points in a win over the Utah Jazz.

The players

Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets' starting point guard who has been labeled a 'Laker killer' for his strong performances against the Lakers in the past.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center who recorded a triple-double in the win over the Lakers, with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.

LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers' superstar forward who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career field goals record during the game, but left briefly due to an elbow injury.

Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers' leading scorer in the game, with 27 points.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had 45 last game.”

— Jamal Murray (clutchpoints.com)

The takeaway

Jamal Murray's dominant performances against the Lakers and other teams show that he is simply a prolific scorer who brings the same intensity every night, rather than a 'Laker killer.' This helps solidify his status as one of the NBA's elite players, regardless of the opponent.