Luka Doncic Triple-Double Powers Lakers to Comeback
Lakers vs Nuggets January 2026 recap
Luka Doncic delivered a masterful performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 115-107 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026. Facing a 16-point third-quarter deficit at Ball Arena, the Lakers orchestrated a dramatic second-half rally fueled by Doncic’s fifth triple-double of the season. The superstar finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, a performance that coincided with the official announcement of his selection as a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Despite losing starting center Deandre Ayton to a left eye injury in the second quarter, the Lakers utilized a dominant 16-0 fourth-quarter run to seize control of the game. LeBron James, who notably missed out on an All-Star starter spot for the first time in 21 years, contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists to help seal the win.
The Nuggets, playing without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic for the 12th consecutive game due to a hyperextended left knee, appeared to be in total command during the first half. Jamal Murray was sensational early on, scoring 26 of his 28 points before halftime and capping the second quarter with a 56-foot buzzer-beating heave to give Denver a 71-57 lead. However, the momentum shifted entirely in the third quarter as the Lakers’ defense stifled the short-handed Nuggets, holding Murray to just 1-of-5 shooting in the second half. Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson each added 18 points for Denver, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Lakers’ surge once Doncic began to take over in the final frame. The victory improves the Lakers’ record to 26-16 and provides a crucial boost as they continue an eight-game road trip.
Following the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised the team’s resilience, particularly their ability to dominate the paint and outrebound the Nuggets 51-31 in the absence of Ayton. Marcus Smart also provided a spark with 15 points, including several timely three-pointers that kept the Lakers within striking distance before their late-game explosion. For Denver, the loss marks a difficult stretch as they struggle to maintain their standing in the Western Conference without Jokic. The Lakers will now prepare to face the LA Clippers on Thursday night, while the Nuggets will look to bounce back as they begin a three-game road trip starting in Washington.
