While no NBA team—and certainly not one with a legacy as rich as the Los Angeles Lakers'—hangs a banner for a 2-1 start, the Purple and Gold should be generally pleased with how they've opened the new campaign.

The Lakers and the Nuggets had some intense playoff battles this decade. First, the Lakers beat them in the bubble on their way to their NBA championship. Then the Nuggets beat them in back-to-back seasons, including in 2023 when they won it all.

LOS ANGELES -- - Cam Thomas scored 33 points and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 130-112 on Friday night, pulling away in a dominant second half to snap a four-game losing streak and win for the fourth time in 18 games. The Nets, who lost by ...