LeBron shines but Lakers fall to Denver Nuggets

March 06, 2026 / 2:08 PM

Sharjah24: LeBron James broke the NBA record for the most field goals made in history, yet the Los Angeles Lakers still fell 113-120 to the Denver Nuggets.

LeBron sets historic record

“The King,” who previously surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time points record, reached 15,937 successful field goals with a mid-range shot in the first quarter. James is in his record 23rd NBA season, amid ongoing speculation that he may retire at the end of the campaign, having told reporters in January, “I don’t know what the future holds.”

Lakers struggle despite close fight

James scored 16 points in Thursday’s loss and appeared to injure his left elbow in the final quarter after falling near a photographer. Play was briefly halted to allow him to leave the court, though he returned for the final two minutes, still in visible discomfort.

Denver maintained control throughout, even as the Lakers narrowed the gap to a single point with two minutes remaining.

Playoff stakes high in Western Conference

The game carried major significance for playoff positioning. The Lakers sit sixth in the Western Conference, the final directly qualifying spot, just behind the Nuggets, and two games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who lost 103-105 to the Chicago Bulls.