Sun Mar 16 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers’ Losing Streak Extends to Four After Close Defeat to Nuggets
**Los Angeles, CA** – The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Friday night, falling 131-126 to the Denver Nuggets despite a heroic performance from Austin Reaves. The defeat comes amidst a significant injury crisis for the Lakers, who were without key starters LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes, as well as bench players Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Reaves, the only remaining healthy starter, led the Lakers’ charge with an impressive 37 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, and four steals. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Nuggets’ star duo of Jamal Murray (26 points) and Nikola Jokić (28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals). Murray’s late three-pointer sealed the victory for Denver.
Dončić, who scored 45 points in the previous game against Milwaukee, was ruled out due to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain. James remains sidelined with a groin strain. The Lakers’ recent struggles follow a strong run where they won eight games in a row and 14 of 16. Despite their depleted roster, the game remained surprisingly close until the final buzzer. The Lakers’ next challenge is to overcome their injury woes and reverse their fortunes.
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