Lakers One Loss From Elimination After Nuggets Roll to Third Consecutive Victory

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA playoff game in Los Angeles on April 25, 2024. Ashley Landis/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—With one championship ring and a tenacious veteran core, the Denver Nuggets are a daunting matchup for any NBA opponent.

They’re clearly a particular nightmare for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are one loss away from an early summer after Denver stretched its winning streak in this rivalry to a whopping 11 games Thursday night.