James, Lakers set for matchup with the Nuggets

Updated Jan. 14, 2022 3:02 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Los Angeles Lakers (21-21, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (21-19, sixth in the Western Conference)

Denver; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James leads Los Angeles into a matchup with Denver. He ranks second in the NBA scoring 29.1 points per game.

The Nuggets are 14-12 in Western Conference games. Denver has an 11-12 record against teams above .500.

The Lakers are 12-15 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles is fourth in the Western Conference with 35.8 defensive rebounds per game led by Anthony Davis averaging 7.1.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.5 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Nuggets. Will Barton is averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 41.2% over the last 10 games for Denver.

James is shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc with 2.9 made 3-pointers per game for the Lakers, while averaging 29.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.7 steals. Malik Monk is averaging 20.2 points over the past 10 games for Los Angeles.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 6-4, averaging 106.6 points, 47.1 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.1 points per game.

Lakers: 5-5, averaging 119.4 points, 43.4 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.6 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.0 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: PJ Dozier: out (acl), Vlatko Cancar: out (foot), Michael Porter Jr.: out for season (back), Jamal Murray: out (knee).

Lakers: Carmelo Anthony: day to day (back), Anthony Davis: out (knee), Kendrick Nunn: out (knee).

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