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The stars will be out in Hollywood as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers host Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
My Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions expect the visiting team to cover the spread, with Nikola Jokic picking apart the pitiful defense of Los Angeles.
Here are my free NBA picks for this powerhouse showdown on Saturday, March 14.
Nuggets vs Lakers predictionNuggets vs Lakers best bet: Nuggets -3 (-110)DeAndre Ayton’s pitiful 117.1 defensive rating ranks 32nd among 40 centers averaging at least 27 minutes per game.
He won’t have any answer for the size and physicality of the Denver Nuggets' frontcourt, who will feast down low.
The Los Angeles Lakers lack quality defenders to throw at Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and a cast of capable 3-point shooters.
Expect plenty of drive-and-kick opportunities for Murray to feed teammates and some quality looks in the lane as Aaron Gordon and Jokic pull interior defenders out to the perimeter.
Denver has unlimited ways to score and pull away tonight.
Nuggets vs Lakers same-game parlayDenver has played in plenty of high-scoring games, going 26-10 to the Over on the road. The Lakers are 20-14 to the Over at home, and will do their fair share of scoring against a Nuggets defense ranked 22nd.
Jokic has been so effective stuffing the stat sheet that his odds to record a triple-double are down at -150.
He’s recorded one in three straight, four of his last five, and six of his last 10. Joker has reached the statistical milestone in three straight head-to-head matchups, and he’s averaged 22.9 points, 13 rebounds, and 8.8 assists over his last 10 matchups against his pal Luka Doncic.
Nuggets vs Lakers SGP- Nuggets -3
- Over 245.5
- Nikola Jokic triple-double
Luka Doncic recorded a 51/10/9 line in his last outing, narrowly missing a second straight triple-double. He’s got seven on the season, including one of two games against Denver.
I expect him to be at his best against a Nuggets team that ranks 23rd in defensive rating (119.9) across its last five games.
LeBron James returned from a three-game absence and went for 18/7/7 against the Chicago Bulls. He’s recorded two games with double-digit boards and 11 with double-digit dimes.
Double-doubles haven’t been easy to come by for King James, but Luka Doncic will need help to keep pace with the Nuggets’ top-rated offense.
Nuggets vs Lakers SGP- Nikola Jokic triple-double
- Luka Doncic triple-double
- LeBron James double-double
- Spread: Nuggets -3 | Lakers +3
- Moneyline: Nuggets -155 | Lakers +130
- Over/Under: Over 245.5 | Under 245.5
The Denver Nuggets have hit the game total Over in 35 of their last 50 away games (+18.53 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Lakers.
How to watch Nuggets vs Lakers| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Not intended for use in MA.
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