Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats
The lakers vs denver nuggets match player stats from March 6, 2026, tell a more detailed story than the 120-113 final score alone. Denver defeated Los Angeles at Ball Arena, but the game was competitive for long stretches and featured major individual performances from Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and several important supporting players. Denver improved to 39-24 at the time of the game, while the Lakers moved to 37-25. The result also evened the season series at 1-1 after Los Angeles had won the January meeting 115-107.
This matchup is especially useful to study because both teams shot 52% from the field, yet Denver still won by seven points. That difference came from several smaller factors working together, most notably free throw efficiency, rebounding, three point shooting, and the way Denver converted its strongest offensive possessions.
Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The game was played on March 6, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, in front of 19,947 fans.
Denver won 120-113, taking control early and never allowing Los Angeles to completely erase the deficit.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 22 | 32 | 32 | 27 | 113 |
| Denver Nuggets | 32 | 32 | 29 | 27 | 120 |
The first quarter was the clearest difference on the scoreboard. Denver scored 32 points while holding Los Angeles to 22. That 10-point opening advantage became important because the Lakers matched Denver in the second and third quarters before both teams scored 27 in the fourth.
In other words, Los Angeles did not lose because it collapsed late. Denver built the foundation of its victory early and then managed the game effectively.
The Lakers actually produced strong offensive numbers overall. They finished 45-for-87 from the field, made 13 of 31 three point attempts, and shot 10-for-15 at the free throw line.
Denver made 39 of 75 field goal attempts, went 14-for-31 from three point range, and converted 28 of 31 free throws.
That last number is one of the biggest statistical differences in the entire game.
Lakers Player Statistics
The Lakers had four players who carried the majority of their scoring load: Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
Doncic led Los Angeles with 27 points, while Hachimura provided an extremely efficient 19 points. James and Reaves each scored 16.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic was the Lakers’ leading scorer and one of the most productive all-around players on the floor.
His line was:
| Statistic | Luka Doncic |
| Minutes | 40 |
| Points | 27 |
| FG | 11-24 |
| 3PT | 3-10 |
| FT | 2-4 |
| Rebounds | 11 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Steals | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 |
The obvious headline is 27 points, but his rebounding and playmaking were just as important. Doncic collected 11 rebounds and added seven assists, giving Los Angeles production across multiple areas.
His four steals also stand out. That figure tied his scoring with defensive activity and showed that his influence was not limited to offensive possessions.
The area where his efficiency could have been better was outside shooting and free throws. He went 3-for-10 from three point range and 2-for-4 at the line. Those missed opportunities matter more in a seven-point game.
Doncic still delivered a strong individual performance, but Denver made him work for many of his scoring opportunities.
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura was arguably the Lakers’ most efficient scorer.
He finished with:
| Statistic | Rui Hachimura |
| Minutes | 29 |
| Points | 19 |
| FG | 8-10 |
| 3PT | 0-0 |
| FT | 3-5 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Turnovers | 0 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Hachimura’s 8-for-10 shooting is particularly impressive. He scored 19 points while using relatively few attempts and did not commit a turnover.
That efficiency provided the Lakers with an important contrast to Doncic’s higher-volume offensive role.
The interesting tactical takeaway is that Hachimura did not need three point attempts to have a major scoring impact. His production came almost entirely from inside the arc and at the free throw line.
For Los Angeles, finding ways to consistently generate efficient scoring like this alongside its high-usage stars can make a major difference against Denver.
LeBron James
LeBron James played 34 minutes and recorded a well-rounded statistical line.
| Statistic | LeBron James |
| Minutes | 34 |
| Points | 16 |
| FG | 7-11 |
| 3PT | 0-2 |
| FT | 2-2 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 |
James shot 7-for-11 from the field, giving him a highly efficient scoring night despite finishing with 16 points.
His eight assists were especially valuable because they demonstrate his role as a creator rather than simply a scorer. He also had only one turnover, three steals, and one block.
That combination produced a strong overall contribution.
The Lakers therefore received efficient shooting from James and Hachimura, playmaking from James and Doncic, and significant defensive activity from Doncic, James, and Reaves.
The problem was that those individual contributions did not fully overcome Denver’s overall efficiency profile.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves contributed 16 points in 38 minutes.
| Statistic | Austin Reaves |
| Minutes | 38 |
| Points | 16 |
| FG | 6-11 |
| 3PT | 1-2 |
| FT | 3-4 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Turnovers | 0 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Reaves had one of the cleanest statistical lines for Los Angeles. He shot 6-for-11, made his only two-point-range? No, his three point shooting was 1-for-2, and most importantly, he finished with seven assists and zero turnovers.
That zero-turnover figure is significant for a player handling meaningful offensive responsibilities.
His three steals also helped the Lakers create defensive pressure.
Reaves did not lead the team in scoring, but his combination of scoring, passing, ball security, and defense made him one of Los Angeles’ most balanced performers.
Denver Nuggets Player Statistics
Denver received elite production from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, with meaningful scoring from Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double and was one of the central reasons Denver was able to control the game.
His statistics were:
| Statistic | Nikola Jokic |
| Minutes | 38 |
| Points | 28 |
| FG | 10-15 |
| 3PT | 0-1 |
| FT | 8-8 |
| Rebounds | 12 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Turnovers | 9 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
Jokic recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.
That means he produced a triple-double while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 8-for-8 at the free throw line.
His nine turnovers are the main statistical blemish on the performance. Yet the overall production still illustrates how heavily Denver’s offense benefited from his ability to score, rebound, and create opportunities for teammates.
The 13 assists are particularly important when comparing the two offenses. Jokic was not simply finishing possessions. He was also responsible for creating them.
His perfect 8-for-8 free throw shooting added another layer of efficiency.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray matched Jokic with 28 points.
| Statistic | Jamal Murray |
| Minutes | 38 |
| Points | 28 |
| FG | 8-17 |
| 3PT | 5-9 |
| FT | 7-7 |
| Rebounds | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Murray’s five three pointers were a major part of Denver’s offensive success.
He shot 5-for-9 from beyond the arc, an excellent 55.6% from three point range. He also converted all seven of his free throws.
The combination of perimeter shooting and free throw efficiency gave Murray a highly productive scoring profile.
His seven assists also meant Denver was getting significant creation from both of its primary stars.
That dual creation is difficult to defend because opponents cannot simply focus on one offensive engine.
Christian Braun
Christian Braun scored 15 points in 40 minutes.
| Statistic | Christian Braun |
| Minutes | 40 |
| Points | 15 |
| FG | 6-12 |
| 3PT | 2-6 |
| FT | 1-2 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Braun’s 40 minutes were the most of any Denver player listed in the provided data.
He shot 6-for-12 and added two three pointers, five rebounds, and four assists.
His contribution illustrates an important feature of the Nuggets’ victory. Denver did not depend entirely on Jokic and Murray to produce every meaningful possession.
Braun gave the team additional scoring while also contributing on the glass and as a passer.
Julian Strawther
Julian Strawther produced 18 points in 29 minutes.
| Statistic | Julian Strawther |
| Minutes | 29 |
| Points | 18 |
| FG | 6-10 |
| 3PT | 2-5 |
| FT | 4-5 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Strawther was highly efficient from the field, going 6-for-10.
His 18 points gave Denver another reliable scoring source behind its two leading scorers.
His four free throws on five attempts also contributed to Denver’s strong overall foul-line numbers.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. added 14 points in 26 minutes.
| Statistic | Tim Hardaway Jr. |
| Minutes | 26 |
| Points | 14 |
| FG | 4-7 |
| 3PT | 2-4 |
| FT | 4-5 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Turnovers | 0 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
Hardaway Jr. shot 4-for-7 from the field and 2-for-4 from three point range.
His zero turnovers were another positive detail for Denver’s supporting cast.
Combined with Strawther’s 18 points and Braun’s 15, his 14 points gave the Nuggets a strong secondary scoring contribution.
Comparing the Main Player Performances
The most useful way to understand this game is not simply to compare the two leading scorers.
It is better to compare the complete statistical profiles.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | FT |
| Luka Doncic | 27 | 11 | 7 | 11-24 | 3-10 | 2-4 |
| LeBron James | 16 | 5 | 8 | 7-11 | 0-2 | 2-2 |
| Austin Reaves | 16 | 5 | 7 | 6-11 | 1-2 | 3-4 |
| Rui Hachimura | 19 | 5 | 2 | 8-10 | 0-0 | 3-5 |
| Nikola Jokic | 28 | 12 | 13 | 10-15 | 0-1 | 8-8 |
| Jamal Murray | 28 | 4 | 7 | 8-17 | 5-9 | 7-7 |
| Christian Braun | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6-12 | 2-6 | 1-2 |
| Julian Strawther | 18 | 2 | 0 | 6-10 | 2-5 | 4-5 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 14 | 2 | 0 | 4-7 | 2-4 | 4-5 |
Jokic had the largest all-around statistical footprint, while Murray supplied the strongest perimeter scoring.
For Los Angeles, Doncic led the scoring and rebounding categories among the primary stars, while James and Reaves provided significant playmaking.
Hachimura was the most efficient Lakers scorer based on field goal percentage among the listed major contributors.
Why Denver Won Despite Similar Field Goal Percentage
One of the most interesting elements of the game is that both teams finished at 52% from the field.
That fact alone might suggest that the teams played an almost identical offensive game.
They did not.
Denver attempted 31 free throws and made 28. Los Angeles attempted only 15 and made 10.
That created an 18-point advantage for Denver at the free throw line.
This is enormous in a game decided by seven points.
Three point shooting also favored Denver.
The Nuggets made 14 of 31 attempts, compared with 13 of 31 for Los Angeles. The difference was only one made three pointer, so perimeter shooting alone does not explain the result.
Free throw efficiency and volume are much more revealing.
Denver also grabbed 41 rebounds compared with 32 for the Lakers. That nine-rebound advantage gave the Nuggets additional control over possessions.
Los Angeles did have advantages in several areas. The Lakers recorded 30 assists compared with Denver’s 27 and had only 10 turnovers compared with 18 for the Nuggets.
The Lakers also recorded 12 steals, compared with three for Denver.
Those numbers show that Los Angeles generated defensive disruption and protected the basketball.
Yet Denver’s rebounding and free throw advantage were more influential on the final score.
Lakers Offensive Performance
Los Angeles scored 113 points on 45-for-87 shooting.
The Lakers’ shooting profile was:
- 52% from the field
- 42% from three point range
- 67% from the free throw line
- 30 assists
- 10 turnovers
A 42% three point rate is excellent in isolation.
The bigger issue was free throw production.
The Lakers made 10 of 15 free throws, while Denver made 28 of 31.
That means Los Angeles left five free throw attempts unconverted, while Denver missed only three.
The Lakers also relied heavily on efficient shooting from Hachimura, James, and Reaves.
Doncic carried the largest scoring burden, but his 11-for-24 shooting meant he used significantly more attempts than the other major Lakers contributors.
From an offensive efficiency perspective, the Lakers did many things correctly. They passed well, protected the ball, and shot efficiently from the field.
Their problem was that Denver generated more value from the free throw line and the rebounding battle.
Denver Offensive Performance
Denver scored 120 points while shooting 39-for-75.
The Nuggets’ overall numbers were:
- 52% from the field
- 45% from three point range
- 90% from the free throw line
- 27 assists
- 18 turnovers
- 41 rebounds
The 90% free throw percentage is particularly striking.
Jokic went 8-for-8 and Murray went 7-for-7. Strawther went 4-for-5, while Hardaway Jr. went 4-for-5.
Those four players alone combined for 23 made free throws.
Denver’s offensive success was therefore not dependent on one player.
Jokic and Murray each scored 28, but Strawther, Braun, and Hardaway Jr. also reached double figures.
That balance made the Nuggets more difficult to contain across the full game.
Rebounding Was a Major Difference
Denver won the rebounding battle 41-32.
That nine-rebound margin is significant.
Rebounding is often treated as a secondary box score statistic, but it directly affects possession volume.
A team that controls the defensive glass can finish possessions more consistently. A team that attacks the offensive glass can create additional opportunities.
The available team data does not provide a complete offensive-rebound and defensive-rebound breakdown here, so it would be inaccurate to assign the nine-rebound difference to one specific type of possession.
What can be stated confidently is that Denver finished with nine more total rebounds.
Jokic led the Nuggets with 12 rebounds, while Doncic led Los Angeles with 11.
That matchup itself was notable. The two primary offensive creators were also the leading rebounders for their respective teams.
Ball Security and Defensive Pressure
The Lakers finished with only 10 turnovers, while Denver had 18.
That gave Los Angeles a clear advantage in ball security.
Reaves was especially clean with zero turnovers despite playing 38 minutes and recording seven assists.
Hachimura also had zero turnovers.
James had only one.
Those numbers show that the Lakers’ main contributors generally protected the ball well.
Denver, by comparison, committed eight more turnovers as a team.
However, Denver still won.
That is a reminder that one statistical category rarely determines a basketball game by itself.
Los Angeles also recorded 12 steals, compared with only three for Denver. The Lakers’ defensive activity was therefore substantial.
The difference was that Denver offset those defensive positives with superior rebounding and free throw production.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Denver won the opening quarter 32-22.
That 10-point margin became the game’s initial turning point.
The Lakers spent much of the rest of the contest trying to recover the early deficit.
Second Quarter
Both teams scored 32 points in the second quarter.
Los Angeles therefore stopped Denver from extending the lead.
However, matching Denver’s scoring did not erase the first-quarter gap.
Third Quarter
The Lakers won the third quarter 32-29.
That reduced some of Denver’s advantage and demonstrated that Los Angeles remained competitive after halftime.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter finished 27-27.
Neither team gained a final-period scoring advantage.
That is important because it changes how the game should be described.
Denver did not win because the Lakers collapsed in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets won because they built the lead earlier and then maintained it.
What the Lakers Could Take From the Game
The statistical profile provides several useful lessons for Los Angeles.
First, the Lakers’ passing was strong. They recorded 30 assists.
Second, ball security was excellent compared with Denver’s 18 turnovers.
Third, the Lakers shot 52% overall and 42% from three point range.
Those are not numbers associated with a poor offensive performance.
The main area requiring attention was free throw efficiency and volume.
The Lakers made 10 free throws while Denver made 28.
Even with identical 52% field goal percentages, that difference creates a major scoring gap.
The Lakers also lost the rebound battle by nine.
Therefore, the clearest areas identified by the box score are:
- Improve control of the glass.
- Generate more consistent free throw opportunities.
- Convert free throws at a higher rate.
- Maintain the strong assist-to-turnover profile.
- Continue creating efficient shots for secondary scorers.
What Denver Did Well
Denver’s victory was built on several complementary strengths.
Jokic and Murray combined for 56 points.
Jokic also added 12 rebounds and 13 assists.
Murray made five three pointers and all seven of his free throws.
The supporting cast then supplied enough additional scoring to prevent Los Angeles from concentrating entirely on the two stars.
Braun scored 15.
Strawther scored 18.
Hardaway Jr. scored 14.
That distribution matters because it prevents an opponent from treating every possession as a two-player problem.
Denver also finished with nine more rebounds and 18 more made free throws than Los Angeles.
Those were decisive advantages.
The Importance of Jokic and Murray Together
A major theme in the lakers vs denver nuggets match player stats is the relationship between Jokic and Murray.
They both scored 28 points.
But their scoring came in different ways.
Jokic shot 10-for-15 from the field and 8-for-8 at the line.
Murray shot 8-for-17 from the field, 5-for-9 from three, and 7-for-7 at the line.
That gave Denver two distinct scoring mechanisms.
Jokic created efficiency around the interior and through his all-around offensive skill set.
Murray supplied high-value perimeter scoring.
Jokic’s 13 assists added another dimension.
When those two players are simultaneously producing as scorers and creators, the defensive burden becomes much more difficult for an opponent.
The Importance of Doncic and James Together
Los Angeles also had a powerful combination.
Doncic finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
James recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.
Together, they supplied:
- 43 points
- 16 rebounds
- 15 assists
- 4 steals
- 1 block
That is substantial production.
The supporting contributions were also encouraging.
Hachimura scored 19 on 8-for-10 shooting.
Reaves added 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals without committing a turnover.
The Lakers therefore received meaningful contributions from multiple players.
The problem was not a lack of individual production. It was the combination of Denver’s free throw advantage and rebounding advantage.
Season Series Context
This game was the second meeting between the teams during the 2025-26 season at the time of the provided data.
The Lakers won the first meeting 115-107 on January 21, 2026.
Denver responded with the 120-113 victory on March 6.
That made the season series 1-1 after this game.
The next listed meeting was March 15, 2026, when the Nuggets and Lakers played another close contest. The provided data records Denver 125 and Los Angeles 127 after overtime.
That later result means the March 6 game should be viewed as part of a competitive season matchup rather than as an isolated result.
Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways
The most important numbers from this game can be summarized simply.
Luka Doncic
Doncic led the Lakers with 27 points and added 11 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
LeBron James
James scored 16 points and contributed eight assists, five rebounds, three steals, and one block while shooting 7-for-11.
Rui Hachimura
Hachimura was extremely efficient, scoring 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
Austin Reaves
Reaves posted 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals with zero turnovers.
Nikola Jokic
Jokic recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists for a triple-double.
Jamal Murray
Murray scored 28 points, made five three pointers, and shot 7-for-7 at the free throw line.
Christian Braun
Braun added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 40 minutes.
Julian Strawther
Strawther scored 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway Jr. added 14 points while shooting 4-for-7 from the field and 2-for-4 from three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Lakers’ leading scorer against Denver on March 6, 2026?
Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 27 points. He also recorded 11 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in 40 minutes.
Who led the Nuggets in scoring?
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both scored 28 points. Jokic added 12 rebounds and 13 assists, while Murray made five three pointers and all seven of his free throws.
What was the final score of Lakers vs Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120-113 on March 6, 2026, at Ball Arena.
Why did Denver win despite both teams shooting 52%?
Denver had major advantages at the free throw line and on the boards. The Nuggets made 28 of 31 free throws compared with 10 of 15 for Los Angeles and outrebounded the Lakers 41-32.
How did LeBron James perform?
LeBron James scored 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. He also had five rebounds, eight assists, one turnover, three steals, and one block.
How did the season series stand after the game?
After Denver’s March 6 victory, the 2025-26 season series was tied 1-1. Los Angeles had won the January 21 meeting 115-107 before Denver responded with a 120-113 win.
Conclusion
The lakers vs denver nuggets match player stats from March 6, 2026, show why the final score cannot be understood by looking only at points scored by the biggest names.
Luka Doncic produced 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists for Los Angeles. LeBron James added 16 points and eight assists, while Rui Hachimura delivered 19 highly efficient points and Austin Reaves contributed 16 points with seven assists and zero turnovers.
Denver countered with 28 points apiece from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic’s 12 rebounds and 13 assists gave him a triple-double, while Murray’s five three pointers and perfect seven-for-seven free throw shooting provided major scoring value.
The decisive team numbers were even clearer. Both teams shot 52% from the field, but Denver made 28 free throws to Los Angeles’ 10 and won the rebounding battle 41-32. The Lakers had advantages in assists, turnovers, and steals, but those strengths were not enough to overcome Denver’s scoring efficiency at the foul line and superior work on the glass.
The 32-22 first quarter also proved important. Los Angeles matched Denver’s scoring in the second quarter, won the third 32-29, and tied the fourth 27-27. That means Denver’s victory was primarily about establishing an early cushion and protecting it rather than dominating the closing minutes.
For anyone studying this matchup from a statistical perspective, the central lesson is straightforward: individual star production was excellent on both sides, but Denver converted its opportunities more effectively in the areas that separated the teams on the scoreboard.
