Preview: Lakers at Nuggets, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 DENVER (Interstat) — A marquee Western Conference matchup arrives at Ball Arena on Tuesday night as the Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets (29-13) enter with the superior record and momentum, having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 121-115 home victory over Washington on Saturday, powered by a season-high 42 points from guard Jamal Murray. Murray has been on a spectacular run, averaging 30.0 points and 9.1 assists over his last nine contests, including a 35-point, 10-assist performance in a Christmas Day win over Minnesota. The Lakers (24-16) are looking to stabilize after dropping three of their last four, including a 132-116 road loss at Portland on Saturday. Despite the defeat, LeBron James continues to defy time, posting 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists against the Trail Blazers. Over his last 10 games, the 41-year-old forward is averaging 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Denver’s offense, fueled by Murray’s recent scoring burst and the all-around play of forward Aaron Gordon, will test a Lakers defense that has allowed an average of 122.5 points in its last four losses. The Lakers will need more consistent support around James, who saw contributions from Drew Timme (21 points) and Marcus Smart (25 points) in the Portland game. The season series adds another chapter to a recent playoff history between the franchises. The game tips off a challenging road stretch for Los Angeles, which visits the Clippers, Mavericks and Bulls later this week. Denver begins a three-game road trip after this contest, visiting Washington and Milwaukee. Tuesday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. MST start at Ball Arena and will be televised nationally.