Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Gameday > Nuggets Spoil First Game At Staples Center For LeBron James, Lakers
Gameday

Nuggets Spoil First Game At Staples Center For LeBron James, Lakers

Matthew Moreno
Published: 10/02/2018
3 Min Read
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a sloppy start, saw their small-ball lineup again exposed in the middle, and were unable to hold off the Denver Nuggets in the second half of a 113-111 loss. The Lakers failed to get a shot off on their final possession.

SHOP NOW: CHECK OUT THE LATEST MERCH ????????????

LeBron James didn’t disappoint in his first home game at Staples Center, which he admitted to be excited over. James only played 15 minutes but scored 13 points on a blistering 5-of-6 shooting, to go along with three rebounds and three assists.

James logged nine of his minutes in the first quarter, and like in the preseason opener, did not play in the second half.

The Lakers started the third quarter on a 7-0 spurt that extended their lead to a game-high 18 points. However, the Nuggets managed to climb back into it, largely against a Lakers second unit that had little-to-no experience in sharing the court together.

New intro and LeBron James introduced at Staples Center as a member of the Lakers for the first time. pic.twitter.com/Kx1pxj2aqm

— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) October 3, 2018

Denver trimmed their deficit to just four points by the end of the third quarter and took the lead a couple minutes into the fourth. In addition to James essentially not being available, Lakers head coach Luke Walton opted to sit Kyle Kuzma.

He went to the locker room late in the third quarter because of leg cramps but returned to the bench and was available. Kuzma finished with seven points, three rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes of action.

Walton emptied his bench just over midway through the fourth quarter, and while Lance Stephenson managed to lead the group in being competitive, the Nuggets made enough baskets late to hang on for a win.

Josh Hart had an quality showing in his first chance to start, pouring in 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting. If there was an area for improvement, Hart connected on just two of his eight 3-pointers.

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Denver NuggetsLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?