The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing a dramatic sequence that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Austin Reaves made a savvy move by intentionally missing a free throw at the end of regulation, grabbing the rebound, and sinking a floater to send the game into overtime.
In the extra period, it was Luka Doncic who stole the spotlight. With the ball in his hands, he delivered one of his signature clutch shots, sealing the win for the Lakers. The Nuggets, despite their efforts, found themselves without enough time to respond, turning what seemed like a sure victory into a disappointing loss.
“Just a big-time shot by a f---ing generational player. ... We wanted the last shot. We wanted to put the ball in our guy's hands. So, it's going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him and in a Lakers uniform.” - LeBron James on Luka Doncic’s game winner pic.twitter.com/UhTsEIovS6
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2026
Post-game, LeBron James had high praise for Doncic, emphasizing his knack for making critical shots and hinting at more thrilling moments to come in a Lakers jersey.
“Just a big-time shot by a f-ing generational player. … We wanted the last shot.
We wanted to put the ball in our guy's hands. So, it's going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him and in a Lakers uniform,” James shared with ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Doncic has built a reputation for thriving under pressure, and James seems perfectly content with him taking charge in crunch time. This victory gives the Lakers a crucial tiebreaker over the Nuggets, a significant advantage as the Western Conference standings tighten in the season's final stretch.
The Lakers have been on a roll recently, hitting their stride at just the right moment. With Doncic as their go-to closer, they’re positioning themselves well for a strong finish to the season.