Nuggets 126, Lakers 113

The Denver Nuggets busted the Lakers in the mouth in the third quarter, with Chauncey Billups scoring 21 of his career-best 39 points. He made 12 of 20 shots, including 9 of 13 from beyond the 3-point arc. J.R. Smith added 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting. Nene had 14 points. Kobe Bryant scored 33 points for the Lakers and Pau Gasol had 17 points and 17 rebounds. Denver shot 57.1 percent; the Lakers shot 44.9 percent. The Nuggets' 126 points were the most the Lakers have given up this season. Next: Portland, where the Lakers have lost nine consecutive games at the Rose Garden.