The past champion had a fantastic start to the 2023-24 NBA season.

On the night they received their extraordinary championship rings, the Nuggets secured a victory against the Lakers with a score of 119-107. Denver’s win was orchestrated by the exceptional MVP, Nikola Jokic, who wrapped up the game with a stunning 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, notching his 106th career triple-double in a truly remarkable career.

Alongside Jokic’s outstanding display, Jamal Murray played a crucial role, tallying 21 points and dishing out six assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope showcased his skill by adding 20 points while shooting an efficient 8-of-12 from the field.

At the forefront of the Lakers’ charge was none other than LeBron James, who illuminated the scoreboard with 21 points, displaying efficiency with a 10-of-16 shooting performance.

Regrettably, Anthony Davis, who had a noteworthy 17 points in the first half, grappled with challenges in the latter part of the game, creating a strenuous evening for the Lakers.

Sporting News is keeping an eye on live scoring updates and highlights for the Lakers vs. Nuggets matchup.

Lakers vs. Nuggets final score, 2023 NBA Opening Night result:
Final: Nuggets 119, Lakers 107
9:43 PM: It seems like the Nuggets are taking this one.

After Michael Porter Jr. scored 3 points, he entered the double digits at night and pushed Denver ahead by just three points with three minutes remaining.

Porter wrapped up the game with 14 points, placing himself among the double-digit scorers, including Nikola Jokic (27), Jamal Murray (21), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (20), and Aaron Gordon (15).

LeBron James maintained the Lakers’ competitiveness with 19 points, but Anthony Davis, who had an impressive 17 points in the initial half, struggled to find the basket in the latter half.

Nuggets 113, Lakers 99
9:37 PM: Denver has a slight edge over LA, but the Lakers are making a comeback.

LeBron James has 19 points after a foul, reducing the deficit to just seven points with 5:15 remaining. A timeout has been called as the Nuggets will use it to pull away in this final quarter.

Nuggets 103, Lakers 96
9:28 PM: Whenever the Lakers make things interesting, the Nuggets have an answer.

Denver’s advantage was shaved to just three points following a remarkable 13-0 scoring spree by the opposition, but they promptly retaliated with a clutch three-pointer courtesy of none other than Nikola Jokic, extending their lead to seven points.

Jokic concluded the match as the top scorer, amassing 25 points, in addition to securing 13 rebounds and delivering six assists.

LeBron James has 17 points, equaling Anthony Davis’ team-high, and Christian Wood had some good moments coming off the bench. With 7:44 remaining, the Lakers call a timeout to regroup.

Nuggets 97, Lakers 90
Third Quarter: Nuggets 87, Lakers 80
9:19 PM: After trailing by 16 points, the Lakers ended the third quarter with a 9-0 run, entering the final frame down by just seven points.

It seems like Denver has been in control all night, but the Lakers are likely preparing for an exciting final quarter, staying within striking distance.

LeBron James, who has 12 points through three quarters, may have his best in store for the final frame. Anthony Davis had a cold spell in the third quarter and couldn’t score in the second half.

In the third quarter, even Nikola Jokic faced a loss, adding only three points to his tally.

If the stars make a comeback, the ending could be thrilling.

9:14 PM: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is one of the many Nuggets stepping up tonight.

He has contributed 16 points, displaying accuracy with a 6-of-10 shooting record and delivering some notable moments in the latter half of the game. Jamal Murray also recorded 16 points with a 6-of-10 shooting performance and contributed five assists.

Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, inches closer to a triple-double, accumulating 22 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, as he approaches this noteworthy milestone.

The Lakers are still looking for more from their supporting cast, but Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura have made some plays in the third quarter.

Nuggets 87, Lakers 75
9:08 PM: The Nuggets have extended their lead back to double digits.

Aaron Gordon’s scoring in the post has put Denver up by 11 points. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic leads the scoring chart with a notable 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis is still at 17 points, while Torey Prince has contributed with 15 points. LeBron James hasn’t scored in the second half and remains at 10 points in the game.

Nuggets 80, Lakers 69
Nuggets 75, Lakers 67
8:51 PM: The Lakers have begun the second half on a mission.

Austin Reaves and Torey Prince’s quick baskets have allowed LA to cut the deficit even further, and Michael Malone called a timeout with 58 seconds left in the third quarter.

Nuggets 63, Lakers 58

Halftime: Nuggets 63, Lakers 54
8:34 PM: After trailing by 18 points, the Lakers have clawed their way back to within a single digit, but the Nuggets are still in control.

In the midst of the game’s fluctuations, only a trio of players—Nikola Jokic (19), Anthony Davis (17), and LeBron James (10)—have been able to break into the double-digit scoring territory.

Nuggets 42, Lakers 24

End of the First Quarter: Nuggets 34, Lakers 20
8:00 PM: Reggie Jackson has gone three times ahead, and Denver has taken a 14-point lead in the second quarter.

With Nikola Jokic setting the pace with his impressive 10 points, the Nuggets have been in top shooting form, hitting 23 out of 14 attempts at an efficient 60.9 percent from the field. He has dished out assists in eight of his 14 field goals.

The Lakers, who are currently shooting at a rate of 8 out of 25 attempts, equating to a 32.0 percent success rate from the field, are facing offensive challenges. Anthony Davis and Torey Prince each scored six early points,

but they’ve been kept off the scoreboard since. LA has yet to get any scoring from its reserves.

In his remarkable 21st season, LeBron James has posted a modest four points, two assists, and two rebounds, shooting efficiently at 2-of-4.

Nuggets 20, Lakers 16

7:37 PM: The Lakers seized the tip-off, and with an outstanding finish by Anthony Davis, they swiftly claimed an early lead on the scoreboard.

The 2023-24 NBA season is underway in full force.

Pre-game:
7:10 PM: It’s time for the ring ceremony at the Ball Arena, and the Nuggets’ rings are quite impressive. Take a look at their entire glory, especially those championship rings.

7:00 PM: Starting for the Lakers: De’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Torey Prince, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

Representing the Nuggets on the court are: Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.

6:30 PM: The stars are out for Ring Night. The Colorado Cube Shedule Sanders Lakers and the Nuggets are ready to take on each other in a personal showdown.