The stage is set for the Nuggets and Lakers to begin their battle for the Western Conference crown.
Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the top-seeded Nuggets have been a force throughout the playoffs, earning series wins over the Timberwolves and Suns. LeBron James and the No. 7 seed Lakers have already pulled off two series upsets, eliminating the 2-seed Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors to reach the Western Conference Finals.
A trend will come to an end in Game 1 of these Western Conference Finals — the Nuggets enter with a 6-0 record at home during the postseason, while the Lakers have stolen road wins in Game 1 of each of their previous two series.
The Sporting News is tracking live score updates and highlights from throughout Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
MORE: Why Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic matchup will decide Western Conference Finals
Lakers vs. Nuggets score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
| Lakers | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nuggets | – | – | – | – | – |
Lakers vs. Nuggets live updates, highlights from Game 1
(All times Eastern.)
7:10 p.m. — Game time is quickly approaching. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves are putting the work in to get ready.
Pregame reps. pic.twitter.com/7yCwZWbMkh
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 16, 2023
What channel is Lakers vs. Nuggets on?
- Date: Tuesday, May 16
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be broadcast on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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What time is Lakers vs. Nuggets today?
- Date: Tuesday, May 16
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip off around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. The game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver.
MORE: In quest for 5th ring, LeBron is proving everyone wrong… again
Lakers vs. Nuggets odds
The Nuggets enter Game 1 as 5.5-point favorites over the Lakers.
| Lakers | Nuggets | |
| Spread | +5.5 | -5.5 |
| Moneyline | +180 | -225 |
For the full market, check out BetMGM.
Lakers vs. Nuggets schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the Western Conference Finals series between Los Angeles and Denver:
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| May 16 | Game 1 | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | ESPN |
| May 18 | Game 2 | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | ESPN |
| May 20 | Game 3 | 8:30 p.m. at Lakers | ABC |
| May 22 | Game 4 | 8:30 p.m. at Lakers | ESPN |
| May 24 | Game 5* | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | ESPN |
| May 26 | Game 6* | 8:30 p.m. at Lakers | ESPN |
| May 28 | Game 7* | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | ESPN |
*If necessary