The Los Angeles Lakers closed their preseason with a 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
A slow start put the Lakers in a deep hole early. Denver led by as many as 17 points in the first quarter and never trailed for long. The Lakers finished the exhibition slate at 2-3.
First look at new core
For the first time, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler shared the floor as starters. Reaves led the Lakers with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Doncic scored 15 points in 18 first-half minutes before sitting out the rest of the night. Kessler added six points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Ziaire Williams chipped in 14 points in limited first-half action. Off the bench, Sandro Mamukelashvili provided a spark with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Looking ahead
Coach JJ Redick said the group showed flashes but still needs work. The Lakers now turn their attention to the regular season opener on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.
