Lakers fans were ready for war. After years of getting punked by the Nuggets, this was supposed to be the night—the game where they finally stood their ground and flipped the script. But just like that—Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are out.

Nobody saw this coming. Jokic, the 3 time MVP. Murray, the Nuggets’ closer. Both ruled out right as Luka Doncic is set to take on Denver for the first time as a leader in the purple and gold. Coincidence? Some fans aren’t buying it. But one thing’s for sure—this game just took a wild turn.

For the second straight game, Denver will be without its two best players. Jokic is dealing with a right elbow contusion and a left ankle impingement, while Murray remains sidelined with a right ankle sprain.

And look, with the playoffs around the corner, the Nuggets aren’t about to take any chances. Jokic has owned the Lakers—20.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists over 30 career games. Last time he saw them? 28 points, 7 boards, and 5 dimes in another Denver win. Meanwhile, Murray’s dagger jumpers have haunted Lakers fans for years.

But tonight? Neither of them will be on the floor.

And you already know Lakers fans had something to say about that.

Lakers Fans React: “This Can’t Be a Coincidence…”

With Jokic and Murray out, the reactions came fast. Some fans were straight-up celebrating, while others were a little more… suspicious.

One fan threw shade immediately: “Only when Luka comes back y’all sit.” I mean, they’re not completely wrong. Luka Doncic has been an absolute menace against the Nuggets. In 20 career games, he’s averaged 27.4 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.4 rebounds. Just last month, he cooked them for 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. And now, all of a sudden, Denver’s two biggest stars just so happen to be unavailable?

Another fan doubled down on the conspiracy: “They are scared of Luka and the Lakershow.” And honestly? They might have a point. With LeBron James out, Doncic has completely taken over this Lakers team. Even Magic Johnson has been hyping up his leadership, calling it a game-changer. The Lakers still have defensive issues, but offensively? Luka is keeping them afloat. And let’s be real—Denver has won 7 of the last 10 against LA. Maybe they just didn’t want to give him a chance to make a statement.

Not everyone was mad about it, though. Some Lakers fans saw it as karma finally swinging in their favor. “It’s a miracle,” one fan joked, pointing out that Denver has dominated LA in 10 of the last 15 meetings. Regular season, playoffs—it hasn’t mattered. The Nuggets have just had their number. For once, the Lakers won’t have to deal with Jokic running the show and Murray drilling cold-blooded jumpers in crunch time.

And then, of course, there was the classic overconfidence. “Westbrook finna turn into MVP Westbrook against the Lakers.” Look, Russ hasn’t exactly been MVP-level in recent games against LA—he’s averaged 14.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists over his last five matchups—but you never know with him. Some nights, he’s throwing up bricks. Other nights, he’s dropping 30 with that extra chip on his shoulder.

Let’s be real—this is the best shot the Lakers have had in a long time to take down Denver. No Nikola Jokic. No Jamal Murray. A fully engaged Luka and AR leading the way.

But games like this? They can be traps. Denver still has depth. And the Lakers? They’ve had a habit of letting winnable games slip through their fingers. If they don’t come out locked in, they could easily let this one get away.

One thing is for sure—Lakers fans won’t accept anything less than a win tonight.