Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Officials: #43 Dan Crawford, #67 John Goble, #12 Violet Palmer
Attendance: 19155
Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 13 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets handed the Los Angeles Lakers their first loss of the season with a 118-112 triumph on Thursday night at the Pepsi Center.
The Nuggets (5-4) used a 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Lakers (8-1), who were off to their second-best start in franchise history.
J.R. Smith gave the Nuggets a 108-105 lead with 4:12 left. Anthony made consecutive baskets to extend the advantage to seven and Aaron Afflalo made a 16-footer for a 114-105 lead.
Kobe Bryant brought the Lakers to 114-110 with three free throws as he was fouled on a three-point attempt, but Los Angeles could get no closer.
Bryant led the Lakers with 34 points. Pau Gasol had 20 rebounds and 17 points and Ron Artest scored 18.
Nene scored 18, Ty Lawson had 17 and Chauncey Billups 15 for the Nuggets.
| L.A. Lakers | Denver | |
| Kobe Bryant 34 | Scoring | Carmelo Anthony 32 |
| Kobe Bryant 5 | Assists | Ty Lawson 5 |
| Pau Gasol 20 | Rebounds | Carmelo Anthony 13 |
| Kobe Bryant 9 | Free Throws Made | Chauncey Billups 8 |
| Derek Fisher 2 | Steals | Gary Forbes 2 |
| Metta World Peace 3 | Blocks | Carmelo Anthony 2 |
| Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
| L.A. Lakers | 112 | 40.8 | 9-29 | 23-30 | 19 | 50 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Denver | 118 | 48.9 | 7-25 | 25-31 | 25 | 43 | 5 | 5 | 11 |
- Denver will play their next game on the road against Phoenix. The Nuggets have a W/L % of .000 after a win and .000 after a loss.
- L.A. Lakers will play their next game at home against Phoenix. The Lakers have a W/L % of .000 after a win and .000 after a loss.