The Lakers started Thursday's game about as poorly as you could imagine, failing to get a bucket and turning it over. Denver went up 11-0 before the Lakers even scratched. It meant the Lakers were playing uphill the rest of the way, and will be kicking themselves over the results. They chipped away and chipped away over the course of the game, and put themselves in a position to win, using strong defense that turned into offense. They got some timely shooting (until they didn't). But in the end, the hole they were trying to climb out of was too deep. Final score, 120-113. Luka Donćić scored 27 points, adding 11 boards and seven dimes. He also picked up what appeared to be a dubious 15th technical foul of the season. LeBron James and Austin Reaves each had an efficient 16, and Rui Hachimura had 16 as well. (His best game ina a while.) Jaxson Hayes, who played big minutes after Deandre Ayton left with a bum knee, piled up a bunch of dunks en route to 19 points. The Lakers will...