Lakers vs Nuggets Preview and Game Thread: Exorcising the demons

The best way the Lakers can bounce back from their recent loss is to put together a statement victory against the Nuggets.

The Lakers aim to quickly get back to the winning column with a victory against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. This will be the first time these two teams collide this season.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Nov 23

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet

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The Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday was frustrating, but it can also be viewed in a positive perspective. For one, it was a reminder that the purple and gold still have a lot to prove despite starting the season with an above-.500 record. But more importantly, it’ll test this team’s fortitude.

Aside from the X and O’s and specific matchups, Saturday’s gams against the Nuggets is an early character test for Los Angeles. After having their six-game winning streak snapped by an Orlando Magic team missing three starters and on the second night of a back-to-back, how will the Lakers respond against a Nuggets squad that’s had their number for the last two years?

The best way L.A. can bounce back is to put together a statement victory versus this Nuggets team that takes absolute joy in beating them. It’ll be interesting to see how the purple and gold approach this one: Will they come out of the gates as the aggressor? Will the game planning and result be different now with JJ Redick at the helm? And more importantly, can the Lakers prove that this season’s story will be a lot different compared to the last two?

Aside from those questions we will get our answers to, here’s what else will determine Saturday’s result:

Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic

After missing three games after the birth of his child, Jokic was back in the Nuggets lineup on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks. So this also means The Joker will likely suit up against the Lakers, who have to do everything they can to contain his production if they want to win.

It’s not rocket science at this point. The Nuggets are depending on Jokic — who is averaging 29.7 points and career-highs 13.7 rebounds and 11.7 assists this season —more than ever and the best way the Lakers can counter this is if Anthony Davis at the very least, matches his production.

It’ll be interesting to see how this season’s version of AD squares up against the best player in basketball on both ends of the floor. AD’s production and ability to contain Jokic will be one of the biggest factors that will determine the game.

AD’s teammates vs. Jokic’s teammates

The thing with AD is that he’s very capable of matching Jokic’s production like what we saw in the first round of the playoffs last year. But it was clear the latter had a better team around him which was why Denver advanced. Saturday’s game has to be a different story.

The Lakers already get a huge break with Aaron Gordon most likely out due to a calf injury. Now, it’ll be up about making sure Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. don’t have their best games of the season. The Lakers will also have to look out for Christian Braun, who has actually been playing really well for them, as well as our good old friend Russell Westbrook. The key is for the Lakers’ role players to outshoot them and defend these players as much as possible.

There are arguments to be made about how this Nuggets team no longer looks like world beaters they once were, but make no mistake, they’re still very much capable of turning it on every now and then and becoming that team that beat the Lakers 11 straight times.

This is a Nuggets team that still averages the eighth most points (116.5) in the league, has an above-average defense (112.1) and, of course, employs the best player in the world. No matter how we slice it, they’re still very much a matchup problem for the Lakers until the latter proves otherwise this season.

On Saturday, let’s see if the Lakers can exorcise their demons against the Nuggets.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Rui Hachimura (left ankle sprain) is no longer listed which means he’ll be ready to go after missing the last four games.
• Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is listed as probable while Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery), Jaxson Hayes (left ankle sprain), Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (left groin soreness) remain out. Bronny James (left heel contusion) are out.
• As for Denver, they have yet to submit a report for tomorrow’s game as it’s normally the case for teams on a back-to-back. But, obviously, expect Vlatko Cancar (left knee sprain), Aaron Gordon (right calf sprain) and DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon) to be out.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.