An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Lakers guard Luka Doncic shoots a game-winning shot as Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones attempts to block during overtime, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic, wearing a yellow Lakers jersey with number 77, reacts after missing a shot during a basketball game
For 30 ½ minutes on Saturday night, the Lakers were in the driver’s seat while hosting the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. And then the Nuggets were in control.
And then each team gave the other their best shots.
But the Lakers had the best shot: a game-winning 17-foot fadeaway jumper from Luka Doncic in overtime to give the Lakers a 127-125 dramatic win over the Nuggets to close out a 5-0 homestand they had three of their best victories of the season during.
“He just made a great basketball play, got to his spot and hit a tough shot,” coach JJ Redick said. “And that was a great moment for him. I’m happy for him.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shoots a game winning shot while under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones during overtime at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Doncic capped off the game with another big play when he blocked Tim Hardaway Jr.’s last second-shot attempt, sealing the victory for the Lakers.
But Doncic wasn’t alone in his late-game heroics.
There was LeBron James, at 41 years old, fully extending his body while diving on the floor for loose ball to force a jump ball with the Lakers down, 112-111, with 54.6 seconds left in regulation.
“Just living in the moment – understanding the impact of the game, the implications of the game and our opponent and what we’re trying to build,” James said. “Every possession matters.”
After the Lakers lost the jump ball, Marcus Smart picked Aaron Gordon’s pocket, making a layup in transition to momentarily give the Lakers a one-point lead in regulation. And when the game went into overtime, Smart once again stepped up with a 3-point that gave the Lakers a 125-123 lead with 31 seconds left.
Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton also made big plays on both ends of the floor to help the Lakers beat the Nuggets.
Doncic didn’t have the most efficient shooting night (10 of 26), but he recorded a 30 point-13 assist-11 rebound triple-double.
Reaves led the Lakers with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists, making big plays in his own right during a game several Laker plays did.
Smart made five 3-pointers and recorded five steals, finishing with 21 points, while LeBron James added 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 24 point-16 rebound-14 assist triple-double.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 14, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
What it means
The Lakers improved to 42-25 on the season, moving back up to third in the Western Conference’s standings.
They won the regular season series over the Nuggets (41-27), 2-1, with Denver staying at sixth in the West.
The Lakers are on a five-game winning streak.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 14, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
Turning point
With the Lakers down 118-116 with 5.2 seconds left in regulation, Reaves intentionally missed his second free throw before hitting an eight-foot floater to tie the game at 118 apiece.
“I knew I was going to miss,” Reaves said. “I wasn’t going to give the ball an opportunity to go in. Some people shoot it high and they end up making it on accident. But I don’t think my ball ever got over 10 feet.”
Co-MVPs: Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
Both of the Lakers star guards made big plays down the stretch to put the Lakers in position to beat the Nuggets.
They combined for 62 points, 19 assists, 18 rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals.
Stat of the game: 6
Saturday marked Doncic’s sixth career game-winning field goal in the final five seconds of a game (five in the regular season, one in the playoffs), according to the Lakers.
Up next
The Lakers will kick off a six-game road trip when they play the Rockets on Monday at Toyota Center.
It’ll be the first of two matchups in Houston, with the Lakers playing the Rockets again on Wednesday.