Lonzo Ball, The Lakers beat nuggets behind LeBron James Triple-Double | Bleacher's report

Alex Gallardo / Associated Press

LeBron James has a home win over his Los Angeles Lakers resume.

James and the Lakers won at Staples Center for the first time in three tries this season with a 121-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Denver's quest to go 82-0 is also over, visitors dropped to 4-1.

James spearheaded the purple and gold efforts with a triple double of 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while Kyle Kuzma (22 points), JaVale McGee (21 points and seven boards) and Lonzo Ball (12 assists, six rebounds and five interceptions) provided a lot of support.

Nikola Jokic replied with 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.

The elite defense can keep the nuggets afloat until they find a shot firing

The Nuggets have not participated in the playoffs since the 2012-13 campaign, but the cap is much higher than that of reaching the playoffs. These are legitimate contenders capable of beating any league team in a playoff series outside of a healthy Golden State Warriors, and improved defense is the main reason .

The Lakers have had success against the Denver defense, but that's largely thanks to James basketball's talent and the defensive attention he needs. No one on Denver and few players in the league can stop him in face-to-face situations, forcing him to help and create open looks for others.

Fortunately for Denver, he will not have to face James every night and can count on a group competed Thursday in second place in league rankings NBA.com. He challenged the outside shooters, relied on Paul Millsap and Jokic to help protect the ledge and allowed clear rotations to maneuver balloons and cuts to passers-by.

When Will Barton returns from surgery on his adductor muscle, they will go deep 10, allowing players to spend more energy on the defensive side.

This is a radical change from last season when Denver was a simple 23th defensive, but seventh with a three-point percentage as she tried unsuccessfully to reach the playoffs by outclassing her opponents in shootout.

The Nuggets scored 6 of 23 attempts against the Lakers and ranked 28th in the league with a three-point percentage (29.8) in Thursday's game, but they are still unbeaten, highlighting their defense's ability to support the team.

What scares the rest of the Western Conference is the realization that filming will finally take place. Jokic, Millsap, Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Trey Lyles all shot over 34% of the depth of last season, and Barton's eventual return will give Denver another outside threat.

When this shoot comes, the Nuggets will have their typical offensive prowess – led by one of the best young playmakers in the Jokic league –To accompany their renewed defensive focus.

Jokic is a triple threat every time he steps on the ground and can ease the attack at the elbow, post or beyond the three-point line as a nightmare for big opponents.

The defense and Jokic can keep Denver afloat early in the season, and the return of the shot could mean a playoff race.

The Lakers must find a defensive solution for low-walled stars

Jokic's performance should not come as a surprise as the big men feasted on the Lakers defense early in the season.

A Los Angeles team that was 26th in the league in defensive ranking entering the match, by NBA.com, allowed 37 points and 10 rebounds to LaMarcus Aldridge, 22 points and 11 rebounds to Deandre Ayton, 19 points and 12 rebounds to Clint Capela and 16 points and nine rebounds to Jusuf Nurkic this season.

While McGee was a formidable defender, his opponents got 11.9% fewer shots than their normal averages at less than six feet before Thursday, per year. NBA.comthe inner defense is lost when it comes out.

The Lakers have playoff aspirations with James in the lead, but they could run into DeMarcus CousinsAnthony Davis, Aldridge, Jokic, Capela, Nurkic, Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns or Steven Adams at the start of the Western Conference.

The inability to constantly slow down formidable opponents will cost them in the playoffs if they can not find an answer.

And after?

The Lakers are at San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, while the Nuggets host the New Orleans pelicans on Monday.