The Lakers and Nuggets are back in the Western Conference Finals.
The last time the two teams met in the third round of the NBA Playoffs was in 2020. The No. 1 seeded Lakers defeated the No. 3 seeded Nuggets in five games, but it was a competitive series that included a game-winning 3-pointer from Anthony Davis in Game 2.
Three years later, the Nuggets find themselves at the top of the Western Conference standings while the Lakers had to earn their spot in the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament.
MORE: In quest for 5th ring, LeBron is proving everyone wrong... again
Despite a rocky regular season, the Lakers followed their Play-In win over the Timberwolves by upsetting the Grizzlies in the first round and defeating the defending champion Warriors in the second round. Can they now become the first No. 7 seed to make it to the Finals?
Here's everything you need to know to watch Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
LIVE: Follow latest highlights, updates from Game 1 of Lakers vs. Nuggets series
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, Colorado.
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
