LOS ANGELES -- Coming off their first win of the season over Phoenix's desert island of misfit toys, the Lakers sparked their first winning streak of the season, topping the Denver Nuggets, 121-114. The game was a seesaw affair throughout, but the Lakers wrested control of the game in the final four minutes.
The Lakers might not be currently constructed to be a top-flight defensive team, but there were some encouraging signs in their best effort of the season.
Watching Lonzo Ball constantly hound Murray the full length of the floor -- picking Murray's pocket just before halftime for an easy bucket as just reward -- was a reminder that the Lakers employ several capable defenders, even if their team concepts have a ways to go.