Nuggets face rival Lakers, LeBron James in playoff-defining showdown

Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) stand on the court in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn ImagesIf you'd told Nuggets fans that when the calendar flipped to March, the Nuggets would be battling for the fifth spot, you'd probably guess the fifth spot in something like Marc Stein's power rankings. Nope. Fifth in the Western Conference.

And if they aren't careful in the home matchup against their bitter rivals and neighbor in the standings, they could end up looking up at the Lakers and LeBron, and everyone else they'd have…