Photos: Lakers fall to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in Game 1

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, right, dunks in front of Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half of the Lakers’ 132-126 loss in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday at Ball Arena in Denver.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

By Wally Skalij

and Robert Gauthier

May 16, 2023 10:05 PM PT

Despite 40 points from Anthony Davis, the Lakers couldn’t stop the Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets from holding on for a 132-126 win in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals on Tuesday night at Ball Arena in Denver.

Los Angeles Times veteran photographers Robert Gauthier and Wally Skalij captured many of the game’s biggest moments from their sideline vantage points. Here are some of their best photos from Game 1:

Lakers star LeBron James gets a pass off in front of Denver's Aaron Gordon in the third quarter.

Denver's Nikola Jokic, front, blocks a shot by Lakers forward Anthony Davis in the first quarter.

Denver's Nikola Jokic, right, dunks on Lakers forward Anthony Davis in the first quarter.

Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, is defended by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the first half.

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. battles for the loose ball against Lakers Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis.

Denver's Nikola Jokic is fouled by Lakers forward Anthony Davis late in the game.

Lakers forward LeBron James goes up for a basket as Denver guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope attempts to draw a charge.

Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, and forward LeBron James react to a call during the second half

Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, drives to the basket against Nuggets guard Christian Braun during the second half

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, shoots a three-point basket over Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the second half.

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray fouls Lakers forward Anthony Davis on a shot attempt during the second half

Lakers guard Dennis Schroder looks pass the ball while Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and center Nikola Jokic defend.

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon drives to the basket between Lakers forward Rui Hachimura and forward Anthony Davis

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, fights to go up for a shot.

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Wally Skalij

Wally Skalij joined the Los Angeles Times as a staff photographer in 1997.

Robert Gauthier

Robert Gauthier has been with the Los Angeles Times since 1994. He was the photographer for a project detailing the failings of an L.A. public hospital that won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for public service. Before The Times, Gauthier worked at the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Escondido Times-Advocate and the Bernardo News in San Diego County, his hometown.