Lakers Surge Past Nuggets in Overtime Thriller, 128-124

The Los Angeles Lakers delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, rallying from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 128-124 in overtime at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night.

LeBron James led the charge with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a 35-point triple-double at age 41. Anthony Davis contributed 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 22 points off the bench in a crucial supporting role.

The Nuggets appeared to have the game well in hand, leading 98-83 with 8:47 remaining in the fourth quarter behind Nikola Jokic's dominant 31-point, 16-rebound performance. However, the Lakers' veteran leadership shone through as they outscored Denver 25-10 over the final eight minutes to force overtime.

"We've been in these situations before," James said after the game. "It's about staying composed and trusting each other. AD was phenomenal tonight, and the whole team stepped up when it mattered most."

The overtime period was a back-and-forth affair, with five lead changes in the final five minutes. Davis hit the decisive three-pointer with 47 seconds remaining, giving the Lakers a 125-122 advantage they wouldn't relinquish. The victory moves Los Angeles to 32-25 on the season, keeping them firmly in the Western Conference playoff hunt.

Denver's loss was costly as they fell to 38-19, potentially losing ground to Minnesota in the race for the conference's top seed. Jokic finished with 31 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists in the losing effort, while Jamal Murray added 24 points despite shooting just 8-of-19 from the field.