Lakers vs. Nuggets Preview: LA gets another crack at Denver

The Los Angeles Lakers embark on Game 3 of preseason, descending upon Ontario for a rematch with the Denver Nuggets. A fourth quarter collapse from the bottom tier of the roster gave the previous game away for the Lakers, but it was a solid preseason showing overall.

D’Angelo Russell appeared to be firing on all cylinders, looking smooth as he dropped 21 on Denver. Jordan Clarkson continued to impress on the defensive end, working passing lanes and denying his man the ball with vigor. Jordan’s development on defense is a key to watch going forward, especially as the remainder of the Lakers’ guard rotation show lacking defensive chops.

LA will have to do a better jump locking up rookie Jamal Murray, who helped put the finishing touches on the Lakers down the stretch. Will Barton also feasted on a Lakers squad sans veteran wing presence Loul Deng. It’s unlikely Deng will play in Game 3, and head coach Luke Walton is expected to place either Brandon Ingram or Nick Young in the starting lining. Metta World Peace started in place of Deng on Friday.

A Sunday night preseason game slapped in between political debates and football may get lost in the mix, but another glimpse of the evolving process this group is going through is worth the attention as the Lakers march toward the regular season. Enjoy the game!

Time: 6:30 p.m. PT

Watch: Spectrum SportsNet