Luka Doncic helps Lakers win against Jokic-less Nuggets in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers offloaded the Denver Nuggets with a quick start, scoring 21 of Luka Doncic’s 31 points in the first quarter, and Austin Reaves added 22.

The Lakers won their third straight victory at home on Wednesday, going into the game without LeBron James, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura, who both started but were unavailable for the first five games in a row, and did 14 points, respectively, as Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht did.

The victory placed the Lakers (43-26) in third place in the Western Conference standings after the Nuggets (44-26). The teams won the series’ two victories in a row.

The Lakers scored 46 points in the first quarter of the season, which was their highest point total since signing with the team last month. In the first 12 minutes, the Lakers made nine three-pointers, which is the franchise’s most in a period.

The Nuggets, who were playing without Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic for the second straight game, were led by Aaron Gordon with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

Denver, which has fallen to 3-4 since March 9, had 14 points scored by Jalen Pickett. Twelve points were scored by Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson, and Michael Porter Jr.

Less than three minutes into the game, when Doncic hit a three-pointer for a 14-2 advantage, the Lakers were in double figures. In the first quarter, Doncic shot 3 of 5 from three-point range and 7 of 11.

Following a three-pointer from Knecht just past the halfway point of the second quarter, the Lakers held a 69-41 lead. Los Angeles fell to Denver 18-4 in the final 5:05 of the halftime period. At the break, the Lakers had a lead of 73-59.

With 4:31 left in the third quarter, Los Angeles regained control and led 94-74. With a 105-77 advantage in the final period, the Lakers extended their 28-point lead.

Los Angeles would be given home advantage in a playoff series against Denver if the Lakers defeated the Nuggets to claim the postseason tiebreaker.

The Lakers travel to Portland on Friday to play the Trail Blazers, while the Nuggets travel to Los Angeles on Thursday for a home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.