After spotting L.A. another double-digit first-half lead — the Lakers were also up 12 in Game 1, 20 in Game 2 and 10 after the first quarter of Game 3 — it was just another cruel tease.

Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game three of ...

1. Lakers were gassed mentally Here’s how the Lakers started Game 3 — Anthony Davis dunk, Rui Hachimura dunk, LeBron James dunk. Feisty, aggressive and dare we say, angry.