The Los Angeles Lakers got the better of the Denver Nuggets by a whisker on Saturday, proving that in crunch time, they can deliver. Luka Doncic was the one who fired the final shot in the 127-125 overtime victory at the Crypto.com Arena.
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In regulation, it was Austin Reaves’ heroics — missing a free throw on purpose, grabbing the rebound himself, and hitting the shot — that got the Lakers to overtime. Then, Doncic, who scored 30 points in the game, took over.
The Slovenian’s big shot in the clutch allowed the Lakers to edge Denver. LeBron James’ words after the game echoed what the whole of the purple and gold army was feeling about Doncic’s performance.
LUKA. CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/slrRwgyZZy
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 15, 2026
It has been a little over a year since Doncic joined the Lakers, and he has definitely transformed them. At 41, LeBron, for one, does not have to worry about carrying the team anymore. He can just play a supportive role, knowing that Doncic has things covered. And James is in awe of the Slovenian superstar’s abilities.
“Just a big-time shot by a f**ing generational player,” James said after the game. “We wanted the last shot. We wanted to put the ball in our guy’s hands. So, it’s going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him and in a Lakers uniform.”
“Just a big-time shot by a f—ing generational player. … We wanted the last shot. We wanted to put the ball in our guy’s hands. So, it’s going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him and in a Lakers uniform.” – LeBron James on Luka Doncic’s game winner pic.twitter.com/UhTsEIovS6
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2026
Doncic had scored multiple iconic game winners for the Dallas Mavericks, including one against the Clippers in the 2020 playoffs that got a double bang by Mike Breen. But for the Lakers, this was his first.
The only Mike Breen DOUBLE “BANG!” calls in NBA history are:
• Steph Curry, 2016 vs. OKC
• Luka Doncic, 2020 vs. LAC pic.twitter.com/wuww5KT0V8— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) August 23, 2020
Doncic scored 30 points on the night, which was two less than Reaves, the Lakers’ top scorer. But in the dying embers of the game, everyone on the team wanted the Slovenian to control the ball.
The Lakers are now firmly in third place in the West with a 42-25 record, while the Nuggets, who are sixth, continue to tumble. They’re perilously close to missing out on an automatic playoff spot, with the Phoenix Suns just a couple of games behind. It would be disastrous for the league and MVP hopeful Nikola Jokic if that happens.
