The Serbian recorded a triple-double of 34 points, while the Los Angeles star scored 40. LeBron James lost a vital possession in the last minute after a slap from Jamal Murray.

The Lakers scored 34 points in the final period to the home side's 26. Denver outscored the Angels by 17 rebounds and took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The series will return to Los Angeles on the weekend, when the Lakers will arrive to play the Nuggets.