The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a needed 115-107 road win over the Denver Nuggets behind a monster 38-point triple-double from Luka Doncic. Number 77 was locked in on both ends from the jump in the Mile High City. He made his first six shots and led a comeback as LA got 16 points straight in the fourth. The Lakers need more talent, and Deandre Ayton missed the second half. It did not matter as Doncic was unstoppable.
He finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds, ten assists, and two steals in 35 minutes on Tuesday night. Luka made 12 of his 21 field goal attempts, including three triples, and was 11 of 12 from the free throw line. It wasn’t just the scoring or playmaking. Doncic was creating tons of space for his teammates and proving he can lead his team over anyone.
There are plenty of haters of social media putting Luka down for arguing with referees or stat padding. Even his fellow NBA players just threw shade on him, but everyone will be quiet after Tuesday’s win. Doncic was doing it all, including leading a comeback where Los Angeles didn’t lead until the final period.
Luka Doncic proves he can lead the Lakers over any team
This shouldn’t even be a question. Luka led the Mavericks to the conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024. Dallas was not favored to be in either position. It was Doncic who pushed them beyond what anyone thought was possible. He can be the best player on a championship team. Lakers fans know that, and it was clear in the crucial win over the Nuggets.
We may not be ready but all I know is Luka is assuredly winning a chip for the Lakers in the near future
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) January 21, 2026
Luka was even locked in on defense, especially in the second half, in Denver. The Lakers allowed just 17 in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth. The Nuggets were without Nikola Jokic, but Denver had won four of their last five coming in. They are currently third in the Western Conference and an elite team. This was a crucial win for LA, especially after their recent tough stretch.
The Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing and more depth if they want to seriously contend for a championship. It is on Rob Pelinka to make upgrades before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but they always have a shot with Luka Doncic.
Number 77 is one of the three best players in the world. It doesn’t matter what anyone says about him, Luka gives his team a shot to win every game. Doncic proved it again in Denver as the Lakers kicked off an eight-game road trip with an impressive win.
The Los Angeles Lakers are proving their defense can hold up when they need it. Fans know Luka Doncic will lead an elite offense. It is all about getting stops and trusting their superstar. Number 77 did it again in Denver, and the best is still yet to come. Lakers fans should be excited to see what Luka can do when the games matter most. It will certainly be special, so stay tuned.