Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a brief timeline of notable events between the Lakers and the Nuggets:

  1. Early Years: The Lakers and Nuggets have a longstanding rivalry dating back to when the Nuggets were originally the Denver Rockets in the ABA (American Basketball Association).
  2. 1985 Western Conference Finals: The Lakers and Nuggets met in the Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers won the series 4-1.
  3. 1996 Playoffs: The Lakers and Nuggets faced off in the first round of the playoffs, with the Lakers winning the series 3-0.
  4. 2009 Western Conference Finals: The Lakers and Nuggets met again in the Western Conference Finals, with the Lakers winning the series 4-2 en route to winning the NBA Championship.
  5. 2012 Playoffs: The Lakers and Nuggets met in the first round of the playoffs, with the Lakers winning the series 4-3.
  6. Recent Years: The rivalry has continued in the regular season, with both teams competing in the Western Conference.

Throughout these matchups, there have been memorable games and moments, showcasing the competitive history between the Lakers and Nuggets in the NBA.