The Lakers have already defeated two higher seeds in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Next up is their toughest test yet.
In knocking off the defending champion Warriors in the second round, the Lakers punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for a series with the No. 1 seeded Nuggets.
The matchup features no shortage of star power. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are now four wins away from another shot at a championship together, Nikola Jokic will be looking to lead the Nuggets to their first Finals appearance since 1976 when the franchise was still in the ABA.
MORE: In quest for 5th ring, LeBron is proving everyone wrong... again
Will Jokic continue his scorching play in these playoffs, or will James and Davis be too much for Denver's defense?
Here's everything you need to know to watch Game 1, including TV and streaming options.
LIVE: Follow latest highlights, updates from Game 1 of Lakers vs. Nuggets series
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. ET (6:30 p.m. in Denver) on Tuesday, May 16. The game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
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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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
