The Los Angeles Lakers have stumbled to an 0-2 deficit in the first round of the playoffs after a disappointing 99-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Despite leading by 20 points at one stage, they allowed the Nuggets to mount an impressive comeback and maintain their flawless home record. Lakers legend James Worthy expressed his dismay at the team’s performance, calling it “downright appalling” in the final quarter and a half. He criticized their careless ball handling, with 15 turnovers compared to the Nuggets’ two in the second half. Additionally, Denver’s dominance in offensive rebounds (9 to 4) highlighted the Lakers’ defensive shortcomings in securing the paint.