Despite missing several key players, the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers nearly pulled off a stunning upset before falling 131-126 to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Austin Reaves erupted for 37 points, and rookie Dalton Knecht added 32 as the Lakers fought back from a double-digit deficit to take a 126-121 lead with under a minute remaining.

However, Nikola Jokic tied the game with a three-point play, Reaves missed a midrange jumper, and Jamal Murray delivered the dagger—a clutch three-pointer with 5.6 seconds left. Russell Westbrook then sealed the loss for the Lakers with a steal and dunk off the inbound pass.

Playing without LeBron James (groin), Luka Doncic (calf, ankle), Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent, the Lakers relied on an unexpected scoring outburst from Reaves and Knecht, but their depleted lineup struggled to get to the free-throw line, attempting just seven foul shots in the first half compared to Denver’s 25.

Bronny James, recalled from the G League, played through illness and scored five points in 16 minutes. The loss was the Lakers’ fourth straight, as they continued to battle injuries while trying to stay afloat in the playoff race.

Austin Reaves: A+

Stats: 37 PTS, 8 REB (0 OREB, 8 DREB), 13 AST, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, 13-26 FG, 4-10 3PT, 7-7 FT, 0, 39 MIN

Reaves was spectacular, putting together a career night with 37 points, 13 assists, and four steals. He carried the Lakers offensively, showing off his full arsenal with deep threes, crafty finishes, and pinpoint playmaking.

His ability to step up in the absence of multiple stars was remarkable, though he fell just short of delivering a heroic win. Despite the loss, it was a performance that showcased his growing star power.

Dalton Knecht: A+

Stats: 32 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 5 PF, 13-27 FG, 5-13 3PT, 1-2 FT, -10, 37 MIN

Knecht delivered his breakout performance, lighting up the Nuggets for 32 points in an aggressive offensive display. He showed no hesitation in firing away from deep, taking 13 three-pointers and hitting five, while also showcasing his ability to score off the dribble.

Though he didn’t contribute much elsewhere and racked up five fouls, his scoring punch was crucial in keeping the Lakers in the game.

Shake Milton: B+

Stats: 16 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 7-11 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT, +10, 28 MIN

Milton was a steady offensive contributor, scoring 16 points on efficient shooting. His ability to create his own shot helped ease the burden on Reaves and Knecht, and he also chipped in with five rebounds and three assists.

His presence gave the Lakers a much-needed secondary ball-handler, and his +10 rating showed his positive impact.

Jarred Vanderbilt: B

Stats: 9 PTS, 7 REB (4 OREB, 3 DREB), 7 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 3-6 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-4 FT, -13, 24 MIN

Vanderbilt filled the stat sheet with his hustle and versatility, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while also notching three steals.

His ability to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands was evident, as he kept possessions alive with offensive rebounds and found open teammates. However, his four fouls and minus-13 rating reflected the challenges of defending Denver’s size and skill.

Jordan Goodwin: C+

Stats: 10 PTS, 6 REB (3 OREB, 3 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 4-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 34 MIN

Goodwin played a scrappy, high-energy game, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, and a couple of assists.

He found his rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down two of three attempts, and contributed defensively with a block and a steal. While he didn’t stand out, his effort helped keep the Lakers competitive in a tough matchup.

Christian Koloko: C+

Stats: 8 PTS, 7 REB (2 OREB, 5 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, 4-7 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 20 MIN

Koloko gave the Lakers solid minutes in the frontcourt, finishing with eight points and seven rebounds while adding a block. He made good use of his touches, shooting 4-of-7, and provided much-needed size against Denver’s bigs.

Though foul trouble limited his playing time, his presence was a net positive, as shown by his +13 rating.

Markieff Morris: C

Stats: 7 PTS, 5 REB (2 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 3-11 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -5, 24 MIN

Morris had an off shooting night, going just 3-for-11 from the field, but he found other ways to contribute with five rebounds and three assists.

His veteran presence was valuable, but he struggled to make a consistent impact. While he had some good looks from three, they just weren’t falling, limiting his effectiveness.

Bronny James: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 2 REB (2 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-5 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +8, 16 MIN

Playing through illness, Bronny had a quiet night but still managed to knock down a three-pointer and sink both of his free throws. His effort on the boards was notable, grabbing two offensive rebounds in his 16 minutes.

While his 1-for-5 shooting didn’t help the Lakers’ cause, the experience of playing in a close game against an elite opponent will serve him well moving forward.

Alex Len: C

Stats: 2 PTS, 5 REB (4 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 12 MIN

Len played limited minutes but made the most of his time on the glass, grabbing five rebounds—four of them on the offensive end. While he didn’t have much of an offensive presence, his size helped the Lakers battle inside. With only two shot attempts in 12 minutes, his role was minimal, but he at least provided some interior resistance.

Cam Reddish: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -12, 7 MIN

Reddish saw only seven minutes of action and missed both of his shot attempts. He didn’t record any other stats aside from a minus-12 rating, making it difficult to evaluate his impact. Given the Lakers’ injury woes, he had an opportunity to step up but couldn’t get into any rhythm.