The victory offered plenty of promise for the new-look Lakers, with Luka Doncic, acquired at the deadline, going off for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in his best game since being traded to Los Angeles. After the win, head coach JJ Redick offered some fiery words for his team in the locker room.

"I thought our guys conviction to execute a game plan and stick to a game plan was excellent," JJ Redick says. Redick said he basically hasn't slept since the Lakers walked off the court in Portland. Said LAL played harder than he envisioned.

Winners of 13 of their last 14 against the Lakers and eight consecutive head-to-head matchups at home, the Nuggets (37-20) were taken out of their comfort zone by a new-look Los Angeles roster. Anthony Davis was the player cashed in for Doncic, but somehow it was the Lakers’ defense that affected the hosts most. Denver shot 40% from the floor.