The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets in overtime, 120-116, at Pepsi Center on Wednesday night.

The Lakers (41-12) fell into an early hole, as the Nuggets (38-17) jumped out to a 31-23 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Los Angeles erased its deficit altogether in the second quarter and forged a six-point lead by halftime. After the tide turned again during a third quarter in which Denver regained a three-point advantage, clutch baskets by Jerami Grant and Gary Harris over the final minute and a missed jumper by LeBron James with 1.5 seconds remaining forced overtime. In the extra period, the Nuggets were held scoreless over the final 3:06, with Nikola Jokic's missed three-pointer with 12.7 seconds remaining essentially sealing the home squad's fate.

Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 33 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. James furnished a 32-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound triple-double. Dwight Howard produced a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Alex Caruso and Avery Bradley poured in 10 points apiece, with Caruso adding six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, complementing them with 10 assists and three rebounds. Jokic produced a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, three steals and one block. Grant produced 15 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Harris netted 13 points, while Monte Morris supplied 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Paul Millsap chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The Lakers return to action after the All-Star break on Friday, Feb. 21 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Nuggets will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on that same night to begin their play after the extended layoff.