After a convincing win over the Spurs on Monday night, the Lakers face a tough challenge against the Nuggets on Wednesday. The Nuggets have been a constant problem for the Lakers, making their struggles a hot topic lately. To make things worse, LeBron James was out due to a groin injury.
But this time, Luka Doncic didn’t disappoint. It seems like he’s learning to lead the team without LeBron. He stepped up with an impressive 31 points and made sure the purple and gold left the court victorious against the tough Nuggets.
In the game against the Nuggets, Luka not only scored big but also made key defensive plays, something missing when he was with the Mavericks under Jason Kidd. The Lakers GM knew Luka could shine on both ends, but it wasn’t until JJ Redick’s guidance that it became clear.
JJ Redick said Luka Doncic having so much early success against Denver’s reds (switching) led to the Nuggets having to adjust and start to fire (aggressive blitz) him, which then led to a ton of wide open 3’s for teammates, which they largely converted.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 20, 2025
During the live broadcast, ESPN’s Mike Breen and Tim Legler highlighted Luka Doncic’s two-way game. Breen praised Luka’s instincts on offense and defense, noting how Redick helped him commit to both. He said, “JJ Reddick says he’s got excellent instincts defensively too. He just hasn’t always had that full-time commitment to defense.”
Tim Legler supported this analysis, noting, “Luka ends defensive possessions because he’s such a great defensive rebounder. It’s such a weapon to have as your point guard, a guy that can regularly get eight to ten defensive boards a game.”
Luka Doncic reaches a new milestone during Lakers vs Nuggets game
Luka Doncic made NBA history again during the Los Angeles Lakers’ big 120-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. He played a key role in the game, helping the Lakers score a season-high 46 points in the first quarter.
Luka Doncic is reminding everybody why you NEVER trade a 25 year old superstar at ANY point, let alone the middle of the season!
— David Shepard (@SheponAir) March 20, 2025
21 points in the 1st quarter alone vs the Nuggets, his season-high for ANY quarter and Austin Reaves continues to shine. Mike Malone can't be happy! pic.twitter.com/AuJB7qnaZD
He wasted no time asserting his dominance, scoring 21 of his 31 points in a blistering first quarter. This performance marked his 200th career 30-point game, proving he’s one of the best scorers in the league.
