Lakers Stage Dramatic Comeback to Beat Nuggets 118-115 in Overtime Thriller

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of their most impressive victories of the season Thursday night, overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 118-115 in overtime at Crypto.com Arena.

LeBron James led the charge with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Anthony Davis added 28 points and 12 rebounds in what many are calling a preview of a potential playoff matchup. The victory moves the Lakers to 32-22 on the season, keeping pace in the competitive Western Conference.

The Nuggets appeared to have the game in control, leading 98-83 with 8:47 remaining in regulation. Nikola Jokic was dominant throughout, finishing with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, but the Lakers defense tightened in the final minutes and forced crucial turnovers.

James took over in the final quarter, scoring 14 points and hitting a clutch three-pointer with 1:23 remaining to tie the game at 107. The crowd erupted as the Lakers completed their furious rally, sending the game to overtime where they never trailed.

In the extra period, D'Angelo Russell hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Lakers a 116-111 lead with 2:15 remaining. The Nuggets fought back to within one point, but James sealed the victory with a driving layup with 18 seconds left, drawing a foul and converting the three-point play.

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham praised his team's resilience after the game. "This is the kind of character-building win that can define a season," Ham said. "When you're down 15 in the fourth quarter against a team like Denver, it says everything about our fight and determination."