Davis injured, but LeBron leads Lakers past Denver 126-108

LOS ANGELES — – LeBron James scored 30 factors, Russell Westbrook had 15 factors, 12 assists and 11 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers easily overcame Anthony Davis’ newest harm in a 126-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night time.

Davis missed the second half with a proper foot harm, however the Lakers nonetheless produced a few of their prettiest staff basketball of the season down the stretch of their second win in six video games. Westbrook had his second triple-double off the bench this season, whereas Thomas Bryant scored 21 factors, Austin Reaves 16 and Dennis Schrder 15.

Nikola Jokic had 25 factors, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Nuggets, whose three-game successful streak ended. Jamal Murray scored 23 factors and Aaron Gordon had 17, however Denver could not sustain with the Lakers’ second-half surge.

Davis apparently bought damage when the star massive man landed awkwardly after a layup try below the basket within the first quarter, though he stored taking part in till halftime.

James took over at heart in Davis’ absence, generally guarding the 6-foot-11 Jokic and grabbing 9 rebounds. He catalyzed LA’s offense together with Westbrook, who revved as much as produce one in every of his finest halves of basketball since becoming a member of his hometown staff final season.

Davis scored 10 factors within the first quarter, however went scoreless within the second whereas taking part in eight minutes. He did not return from the locker room together with his teammates for the second half, with Bryant taking up at heart.

The harm creates a brand new wave of uncertainty about Davis’ perpetually problematic well being. He’s averaging 28.8 factors and 12.4 rebounds per recreation this season regardless of managing decrease again stiffness for a number of weeks.

After main the Lakers to a 2020 championship in his first season alongside James, Davis performed in about 50% of the Lakers’ video games over the previous two years whereas bedeviled by quite a few accidents. The eight-time All-Star has missed solely 4 video games this season whereas having fun with a return to his dominant type from his finest seasons in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Denver and Los Angeles have already met 3 times this season, they usually’ll conclude their collection Jan. 9 in Denver. Lakers coach Darvin Ham bought his first profession victory when his staff beat the Nuggets on Oct. 30.

TIP-INS

Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. missed his eleventh straight recreation with a heel harm, however he participated in Denver’s shootaround. … Denver bought simply 23 factors off the bench.

Lakers: Wenyen Gabriel missed his sixth straight recreation with a sprained left shoulder. … Juan Toscano-Anderson sat out with a sprained proper ankle. … James handed Hakeem Olajuwon for ninth place on the NBA’s profession steals checklist.

UP NEXT

Nuggets: Host Charlotte on Sunday to open a four-game homestand.

Lakers: Host Washington on Sunday.

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