March 4, 2026, 8:30 p.m. PT
After notching three straight wins against inferior competition, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a big game against a big-time opponent on Thursday. They will hit the road to face the Denver Nuggets in a contest that could have playoff implications.
The Lakers are in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 37-24 record and are just half a game behind Denver. This is an opportunity for them to make a statement as they look to move up in the standings now that the calendar has turned over to March.
Their main rotation players will continue to be at full strength, but backup big man Maxi Kleber may not be able to play, as he’s listed as questionable due to back soreness.
Kleber has gotten inconsistent playing time this season, but at times, he has made a positive impact that has transcended his stats. He didn’t play in Tuesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, but on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, he recorded six points, six rebounds and one block in 14 minutes. Coach JJ Redick loved what he saw from Kleber on Sunday.
Los Angeles will need all the help it can get against Nikola Jokić, who is arguably the best basketball player in the world. Jokic didn’t play in the last game between these two teams back in January, which L.A. won 115-107.
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