The Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) are treading water without LeBron James (groin), as they’ve won two straight contests and sit fourth place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets (44-25) and Houston Rockets (44-25).
Their next matchup is a home date with the Nuggets on Wednesday night, which is a prime opportunity to rise the standings.
Los Angeles is 1-2 against Denver this season but lost just 131-126 without James in an away clash on March 14.
The Nuggets sat Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and Jamal Murray (ankle) in their 114-105 win over the Golden State Warriors (39-29) on Monday, and Lakers fans theorized that they were resting them to prepare for Wednesday.
The Warriors are currently in sixth place, so they’re less of a threat. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook. Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images NBA stars sitting out of games is one of the league’s biggest controversies, especially when it involves a Nuggets-Lakers matchup.
Denver announced Jokic as questionable for Wednesday, in addition to several others, which is fueling Los Angeles fans’ suspicions. “Jamal Murray and Jokic are both questionable for their game 7 after missing last game,” Lakers Muse tweeted.
Jamal Murray and Jokic are both questionable for their game 7 after missing last game pic.twitter.com/I2zaH7ecpv — Lakers Muse (@LALMuse) March 19, 2025 “Should’ve read ‘Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic both listed as Unquestionable to play for Wednesday,'” @kooooobbbbeeeee said. “I will bet my house that they both play,” @HuskiesJack said. Even Lakers Nation reporter Trevor Lane fueled the speculation.
Do we buy it?
pic.twitter.com/oyk68D91JA — Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) March 19, 2025 Even if Jokic and Murray sit, the Nuggets are still dangerous, as they proved on Monday.
Aaron Gordon tallied 38 points (14-23 FG, 4-6 3 PT) with six rebounds and three assists, while Russell Westbrook notched 12 points (5-18 FG, 2-9 3 PT) with 12 rebounds, 16 assists, three steals, and two blocks.
