Playing without four starters and two other rotation players, Austin Reaves (37 points, 13 assists), Dalton Knecht (32 points) and the Lakers scrap their way to a lead in the final minute before

Jamal Murray hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 6.2 seconds left, and the host Denver Nuggets beat a depleted Los Angeles Lakers team, 131-126, on Friday night.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA game from March 14, 2025 on ESPN.

While the Lakers did lose, the team should feel proud that they were able to fight with so many crucial role players missing. Even rookie Bronny James saw decent game action against the Nuggets. James finished the game by playing 16 minutes for Los Angeles. During that time he scored five points and grabbed two rebounds.

The Lakers have now fallen to fifth in the Western Conference standings after losing to the Nuggets. Yet, the loss wasn't all bad for them. This game allowed Bronny James to get some real playing time. He played 16 minutes in this game, which is the most playing time he has seen in Los Angeles.

It’s rare that a team celebrates a loss but the Los Angeles Lakers had a lot of reasons to be happy after losing to the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The Lakers were without several of the biggest stars but still kept it close with the Nuggets and even held a lead at certain points.