With 4 starters out, Lakers lose fourth straight in heartbreaker vs. Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers have been with out starters Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, in addition to bench gamers Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith, on Friday night time towards the No. 2 staff within the West whereas on a three-game dropping streak.

It was nearer than you’d anticipate.

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Reaching deeper into their bench than they’ve all season, the Lakers misplaced 131-126 to the Denver Nuggets in a recreation that was determined by Jamal Murray, a participant that has given L.A. loads of issues prior to now.

Murray completed with 26 factors, whereas Nikola Jokić continued his MVP marketing campaign with 28 factors, seven rebounds, 5 assists and three steals.

The one remaining wholesome Lakers starter was Austin Reaves, who responded like he has in some previous video games with their stars out. He completed with 37 factors on 13-of-26 capturing, plus 13 assists, eight rebounds and 4 steals.

Dončić was introduced as out earlier than the sport resulting from “left calf injury management” and a proper ankle sprain, the staff stated. 

The Lakers have now dropped 4 straight video games after profitable eight in a row and 14 of 16. Three of these 4 losses in a row got here with out James, who stays out with a groin pressure.

Dončić put up 45 factors throughout Thursday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, his highest level complete for the reason that commerce that despatched him from Dallas to L.A. In 13 video games with the Lakers, Dončić is averaging 26.1 factors, 8.6 rebounds and seven.6 assists per recreation.