The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 124-114, at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening.

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to record a career total of 40,000 points, as he led the way for the Lakers in a hard-fought game. The Lakers got out to a strong start and led, 33-27, after one quarter. They stayed a step ahead through the second and managed to push to an eight-point advantage at the break. The Nuggets came out better in the third quarter and outscored the hosts, 31-23, to tie it up at 89, heading into the final frame. The Lakers reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth, but the Nuggets closed the game on a, 16-4, run to secure their sixth consecutive win and improve to 18-14, on the road.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 35 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 39 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 25 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Jamal Murray totaled 24 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and a steal.

Meanwhile, LeBron James led the Lakers with 26 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 37 minutes. Rui Hachimura followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Anthony Davis added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.

The Lakers (33-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Monday. The Nuggets (42-19) clash with the Suns on Tuesday.