Luka Doncic is 100% realistic about the Nuggets being without Nikola Jokic

ByNBAUSA



The Los Angeles Lakers looked to regain their rhythm as they visited Denver Nuggets at Cripto.com Arena on Tuesday. The Lakers have been largely inconsistent most recently, they were 5-5 in their last 10 games before facing the Nuggets.

In what was supposed to be a matchup between two of the league’s elite players, the Lakers guard Luka Dončić and the center of the Nuggets Nikola Jokicit was not possible, as he is still recovering from a knee injury.

Jokic, who is out for several more weeks, has missed Denver’s last 12 games, including the Lakers. But even without the three-time MVP, the Nuggets played well. Even Doncic admitted it.

“You know, Jokic is the MVP, so without him they are a very different team, but they are still a great team. They have a lot of players who can score and a lot of players step up (for them), so we have to be ready and focus on them,” said Doncic in an interview with Spectrum SportsNet.

It is worth noting that Doncic and Jokic are good friends, who often joke when their teams meet.

The Nuggets went 7-4 in games without Jokic, with Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Spencer Jones and Darron Holmes II picking up the slack.

Denver is also missing Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson and Christian Brown due to various injuries, while Aaron Gordon is still in and out of the lineup as he recovers from a strained hamstring.

As for the Lakers, they have struggled to regain their momentum despite Doncic and LeBron James staying healthywith their defense holes exposed.

Leading the Purple and Gold past the Nuggets could spark a winning streak before the midseason break.





2026-01-21 03:52:00

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