Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 18 

The Denver Nuggets are set to face the LA Lakers in one of six consolation Summer League games scheduled on Friday. The two teams will play their final game of the ongoing tournament at Thomas & Mack Center, with both hoping to clinch their second win.

Interestingly, neither team features any players selected in the 2025 NBA draft. However, both rosters include some familiar names, with Bronny James, Dalton Knecht and DaRon Holmes II expected to take the court for the matchup.

Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Preview, Prediction and Betting Odds

The Nuggets-Lakers Summer League matchup at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. EST (4:00 p.m. PT), with the contest being broadcast on NBA TV.

Fans can also live stream the action using FUBO TV or the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (+115) vs LA Lakers (-138)

Spread: Denver Nuggets (+2 -110) vs LA Lakers (-2 -110)

Total (O/U): Denver Nuggets (o178.5 -111) vs LA Lakers (u178.5 -111)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are as per available information at the time of writing.

Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Preview

The Denver Nuggets have suffered a disappointing run in the 2025 Summer League, dropping their first three games.

On July 10, Denver held onto an eight-point lead in the final minutes. However, the Milwaukee Bucks snatched victory with a buzzer-beater, handing the Nuggets a heartbreaking 90-89 defeat.

Things went from bad to worse on July 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After briefly taking the lead early in the first quarter, the Nuggets trailed the rest of the way and fell 94-83 in a one-sided affair.

Denver’s struggles continued on July 15 in a tightly contested matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Despite building a nine-point cushion early in the third quarter, the Nuggets couldn’t hold on and suffered a 101-97 loss.

They managed to end their skid just before the playoff round. Powered by DaRon Holmes II’s impressive 19-point, 17-rebound double-double, Denver secured its first win of the Summer League with an 81-76 victory over the LA Clippers.

Similarly, the LA Lakers have massively underperformed despite the strength of their roster. Despite entering the Summer League with three games already under their belt due to the California Classic, the Lakers suffered losses against the Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers and Boston Celtics.

July 12’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans was their only win, backed by Cole Swider’s 21-point, 10-rebound outburst.

Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Roster

Denver Nuggets

Player	Position
Reece Beekman	Guard
Hunter Tyson	Forward
Keyontae Johnson	Forward
Boo Buie	Guard
DaRon Holmes II	Forward
Logan Johnson	Guard
Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu	Forward
Spencer Jones	Forward
Terrence Hargrove Jr.	Forward
Tamar Bates	Guard
Tyrell Harrison	Center
Curtis Jones	Guard
E.J. Liddell	Forward
Ibou Badji	Center
Donovan Williams	Guard

LA Lakers

Player	Position
Dalton Knecht	Guard
Bronny James	Guard
Christian Koloko	Center
RJ Davis	Guard
DJ Steward	Guard
Sam Mennenga	Forward
Augustas Marciulionis	Guard
Darius Bazley	Forward
TY Johnson	Guard
Sir'Jabari Rice	Guard
Cole Swider	Forward
Eric Dixon	Forward
DaJaun Gordon	Guard
Julian Reese	Forward
Ethan Taylor	Guard
Trey Jemison III	Center
Arthur Kaluma	Forward

Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Prediction

The LA Lakers have had a few positive takeaways from their Summer League campaign, with Bronny James averaging 14.3 ppg and Swider leading the team with 17.8 ppg.

While Dalton Knecht has yet to meet expectations, his recent struggles have been caused largely by cramping issues. However, Knecht will look to bounce back strong as Summer League action wraps up and will be expected to help the Purple & Gold finish on a high note.