Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets 100% real about Nuggets without Nikola Jokic

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

What should have been a marquee meeting between two of the league’s elite players, Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, was not possible, as the latter is still nursing a knee injury.

Jokic, who is still out for a few more weeks, has missed Denver’s last 12 games, including against the Lakers. But even without the three-time MVP, the Nuggets have played well. Even Doncic acknowledged 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's pretty awesome… that's a big achievement for me, so it's incredible to lead this."

Luka Dončić speaks with @LakersReporter about leading the NBA in All-Star voting before tonight's matchup with the Nuggets. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/m3fefS8nrr

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 21, 2026

It is worth noting that Doncic and Jokic are good friends, frequently joking with each other when their teams meet.

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

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

As for the Lakers, they have struggled to regain their momentum despite Doncic and LeBron James staying healthy, with their defensive holes being brought to light.

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

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