NBA · Final

Lakers Defeat Nuggets in Competitive Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers26-16

115

Denver Nuggets29-15

107

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Ball Arena

Los Angeles Lakers 115, Denver Nuggets 107, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets?

Los Angeles Lakers beat Denver Nuggets 115-107 at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026.

Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets?

Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -166 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested game, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 115-107 at Ball Arena. This victory allowed the Lakers to take a 2-0 lead in their season series against the Nuggets, having won their previous encounter as well. The matchup was significant as both teams are in the mix for playoff positioning in the NBA's Western Conference, and the stakes were high for both sides.

The Denver Nuggets entered the game with a home record of 29-15 and had been performing moderately well at home, boasting a 6-4 record over their last ten games. However, they were on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Charlotte Hornets just two days prior, 87-110. In that game, the Nuggets struggled offensively, averaging 110.5 points scored and allowing 113.8 points in their last ten games. Their recent form at home showed a scoring average of 111.2 points in their last five games, but they had also allowed an average of 110.8 points during that stretch.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers came into the game with a record of 26-16, having a mixed performance lately with a 5-5 record in their last ten games. They were riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Toronto Raptors 110-93. The Lakers have been more prolific offensively, averaging 114.7 points scored and allowing 115.0 points in their last ten games. Their recent form indicated a scoring average of 119.2 points in their last five games, but they also allowed an average of 120.0 points, showcasing their defensive vulnerabilities.

In terms of home versus away performance, the Nuggets had a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Lakers had a slightly less favorable away record of 1-3 in their last four games. This game marked an important test for both teams, especially for the Nuggets, who needed to defend their home court.

Injury concerns loomed over the Nuggets, as both Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were listed as day-to-day, with Gordon dealing with a calf issue. Their absence could have impacted the Nuggets' performance, particularly in a high-stakes game against a formidable opponent like the Lakers.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings listing the Lakers as 3.5-point favorites. The total points over/under was set at 228.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. The moneyline odds showed the Nuggets at +140 and the Lakers at -166, further emphasizing the Lakers' favored status heading into the contest.

Conditions for the game were typical for a January evening in Denver, with the altitude potentially affecting player stamina and performance. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their skills and strategies.

As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the intensity and back-and-forth nature of the contest. Key moments included Luka Doncic making crucial free throws in the fourth quarter and Aaron Gordon responding with a dunk assisted by Jamal Murray. Despite the Nuggets' efforts to close the gap, the Lakers maintained their lead, ultimately securing the victory.

Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Lakers continuing to assert their dominance in the season series against the Nuggets.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	LAL -3.5	228.5 o -108 / u -112	Los Angeles Lakers -166 · Denver Nuggets +140

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets

Leaders

PointsJamal Murray28Denver Nuggets
AssistsJamal Murray11Denver Nuggets
ReboundsJalen Pickett6Denver Nuggets
PointsLuka Doncic38Los Angeles Lakers
AssistsLuka Doncic10Los Angeles Lakers
ReboundsLuka Doncic13Los Angeles Lakers

Recent form

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1110.5 scored · 113.8 allowed per game2-2 at home

L87-110vs Charlotte HornetsJan 19
W121-115vs Washington WizardsJan 18
W118-109at Dallas MavericksJan 15
W122-116at New Orleans PelicansJan 14
W108-104vs Milwaukee BucksJan 12
L87-110vs Atlanta HawksJan 10
W114-110at Boston CelticsJan 8
W125-124at Philadelphia 76ersJan 6
L115-127at Brooklyn NetsJan 4
L108-113at Cleveland CavaliersJan 3

Los Angeles Lakers

Last 10: 5-5Streak W1114.7 scored · 115 allowed per game1-3 away

W110-93vs Toronto RaptorsJan 19
L116-132at Portland Trail BlazersJan 18
L117-135vs Charlotte HornetsJan 16
W141-116vs Atlanta HawksJan 14
L112-124at Sacramento KingsJan 13
L101-105vs Milwaukee BucksJan 10
L91-107at San Antonio SpursJan 8
W111-103at New Orleans PelicansJan 7
W120-114vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 5
W128-121vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 3

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
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
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

Box score

Stat	Los Angeles Lakers	Denver Nuggets
Field goals	42-83	39-87
Field goal %	51	45
Three-pointers	10-25	15-37
Three-point %	40	41
Free throws	21-32	14-19
Free throw %	66	74
Rebounds	51	31
Offensive rebounds	10	5
Defensive rebounds	41	26
Assists	24	27
Steals	3	6
Blocks	2	7
Turnovers	12	5
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	1	2
Technical fouls, total	1	2
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	20	8
Fast-break points	25	7
Points in the paint	54	40
Fouls	18	21
Largest lead	12	16
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	14	82

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter75-80Jaxson Hayes makes alley oop dunk (Luka Doncic assists)
3rd Quarter77-80Jake LaRavia makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Luka Doncic assists)
3rd Quarter77-81Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter77-82Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter79-82Luka Doncic makes 12-foot fade away jump shot (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
3rd Quarter79-84Aaron Gordon makes 1-foot dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter81-84Luka Doncic makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter81-86Spencer Jones makes 8-foot hook shot (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter81-88Spencer Jones makes running layup (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter84-88LeBron James makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter86-88LeBron James makes 1-foot two point shot
4th Quarter88-88Drew Timme makes layup (LeBron James assists)
4th Quarter88-90Zeke Nnaji makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Pickett assists)
4th Quarter89-90Gabe Vincent makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter90-90Gabe Vincent makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter90-92Zeke Nnaji makes driving layup
4th Quarter92-92Rui Hachimura makes layup (LeBron James assists)
4th Quarter92-94Jalen Pickett makes two point shot
4th Quarter92-96Zeke Nnaji makes two point shot (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
4th Quarter94-96Marcus Smart makes tip shot
4th Quarter96-96Jaxson Hayes makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Luka Doncic assists)
4th Quarter97-96Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter98-96Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter99-96Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter100-96Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter101-96Marcus Smart makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter104-96Marcus Smart makes 23-foot three point jumper (Luka Doncic assists)
4th Quarter105-96LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter108-96Marcus Smart makes 23-foot three point jumper (Luka Doncic assists)
4th Quarter108-99Peyton Watson makes 21-foot three point jumper (Aaron Gordon assists)
4th Quarter108-102Aaron Gordon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Peyton Watson assists)
4th Quarter110-102LeBron James makes 1-foot dunk (Rui Hachimura assists)
4th Quarter111-102Luka Doncic makes technical free throw
4th Quarter111-103Aaron Gordon makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter111-105Jamal Murray makes 12-foot fade away jump shot
4th Quarter112-105Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter113-105Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter114-105Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter114-107Aaron Gordon makes dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter115-107Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2