Nikola Jokic Leads NBA Champ Denver Nuggets Past LeBron James and Lakers 114–103 in Playoff Opener

Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets drives against Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter during game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs in Denver on April 20, 2024. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

DENVER—Nikola Jokic had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets powered past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114–103 in their Western Conference playoff opener Saturday night, April 20.

Two other Nuggets players posted double-double—Jamal Murray (22 points, 10 assists) and Anthony Gordon (12 points, 11 rebounds)—and Michael Porter Jr. came close with 19 points and eight boards.