Lakers Edge Nuggets in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Lakers 127, Denver Nuggets 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Denver Nuggets 127-125 at crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling overtime matchup, finishing with a score of 127-125 at the crypto.com Arena. This victory not only showcased the Lakers' resilience but also marked their second consecutive win in the season series against the Nuggets, bringing their record against Denver to 2-1 this season.
In terms of recent form, the Lakers have been on a strong run, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak. They have averaged 119.9 points scored while allowing 109.9 points per game during this stretch. Their home record has been particularly impressive, standing at 6-1 in their last seven games at crypto.com Arena. In contrast, the Nuggets have had a more mixed performance, recording a 5-5 record in their last ten outings. They are currently on a two-game winning streak, averaging 119.1 points scored and allowing 118.9 points during this period. However, they have struggled on the road, with a 2-3 record in their last five away games.
The matchup was closely contested, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams. The Lakers had previously lost to the Nuggets 113-120 in their last meeting on March 6, 2026, but they rebounded well in this encounter. Historically, the teams have split their last six meetings, with each side winning three times. This ongoing rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to their matchups.
In terms of injuries, the Nuggets had two players listed as day-to-day: Aaron Gordon, who is dealing with a calf issue, and Trevon Brazile, with an undisclosed injury. Their statuses could have influenced the performance and strategy of the Nuggets as they faced the Lakers.
The betting market reflected a competitive outlook for this game, with DraftKings setting the odds at Denver -1.5, indicating a slight favoring of the Nuggets. The total points line was set at 244.5, with over odds at -115.0 and under odds at -105.0. The moneyline odds showed the Lakers at +102.0, while the Nuggets were at -122.0, suggesting a close contest in the eyes of the bookmakers.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late-season NBA matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positions. Fans were treated to a showcase of skill and determination, with key players stepping up in crucial moments. Notable scoring plays in overtime included a critical three-point jumper from Aaron Gordon and clutch shots from Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton, highlighting the intensity of the final moments.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Lakers ultimately securing the win in a nail-biting finish. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with the Lakers aiming to maintain their momentum at home and the Nuggets seeking to improve their consistency on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -1.5 | 244.5 o -115 / u -105 | Denver Nuggets -122 · Los Angeles Lakers +102 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsAustin Reaves32Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLuka Doncic13Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsLuka Doncic11Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsAaron Gordon27Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic14Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic16Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W4119.9 scored · 109.9 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W142-130vs Chicago BullsMar 13
- W120-106vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 11
- W110-97vs New York KnicksMar 8
- W128-117vs Indiana PacersMar 7
- L113-120at Denver NuggetsMar 6
- W110-101vs New Orleans PelicansMar 4
- W128-104vs Sacramento KingsMar 2
- W129-101at Golden State WarriorsMar 1
- L110-113at Phoenix SunsFeb 27
- L109-110vs Orlando MagicFeb 25
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2119.1 scored · 118.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- W136-131at San Antonio SpursMar 13
- W129-93vs Houston RocketsMar 12
- L126-129at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 9
- L103-142vs New York KnicksMar 7
- W120-113vs Los Angeles LakersMar 6
- W128-125at Utah JazzMar 3
- L108-117vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 1
- L121-127at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 28
- W103-84vs Boston CelticsFeb 26
- L117-128at Golden State WarriorsFeb 22
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-95 | 48-93 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 19-49 | 14-42 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 33 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 17-26 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 39 |
| Assists | 33 | 31 |
| Steals | 13 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 33 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 25 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 56 |
| Fouls | 22 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 22 | 67 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter92-89Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 4-foot layup (Aaron Gordon assists)
- 4th Quarter92-91Jake LaRavia makes 3-foot two point shot (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter92-94Austin Reaves makes 25-foot three point jumper (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter93-94Bruce Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-94Bruce Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-94Aaron Gordon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter97-96Jake LaRavia makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter99-96Cameron Johnson makes driving layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter100-96Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter103-96Bruce Brown makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter103-98LeBron James makes 4-foot two point shot (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter106-98Spencer Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter106-100Austin Reaves makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter106-101Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-102Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-102Aaron Gordon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter109-103Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-106Luka Doncic makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter109-107Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-108Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-109Luka Doncic makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-109Aaron Gordon makes 24-foot running jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter112-111Austin Reaves makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-113Marcus Smart makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter115-113Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter116-113Aaron Gordon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-114Austin Reaves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-115Austin Reaves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-115Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-115Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-116Austin Reaves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-118Austin Reaves makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- OT118-120Deandre Ayton makes two point shot
- OT119-120Christian Braun makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT120-120Christian Braun makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT120-122Deandre Ayton makes 3-foot hook shot (LeBron James assists)
- OT123-122Aaron Gordon makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- OT123-125Marcus Smart makes 25-foot three point jumper (Luka Doncic assists)
- OT125-125Nikola Jokic makes driving layup
- OT125-127Luka Doncic makes 17-foot step back jumpshot
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance18997
- OfficialsJacyn Goble, Scott Twardoski, Justin Van Duyne
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