Lakers-Nuggets Matchup Gets ESPN Broadcast Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Audilet | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 2:24 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Denver Nuggets in a highly-anticipated Western Conference clash on Saturday night.

This primetime matchup has a great deal of intrigue following the Lakers' blockbuster trade for NBA superstar Luka Doncic earlier this month. Doncic sat out Thursday night's win over the Portland Trail Blazers as he continues to manage his calf injury, but is expected to return to the court on Saturday evening.

LeBron James and the Lakers currently hold fifth position in the Western Conference, trailing MVP-frontrunner Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets (2nd place) by three games.

On Friday, ESPN announced its broadcasting team for this primetime NBA clash.

Mike Breen will be on the call as ESPN's play-by-play man, joined by analysts Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson. Lisa Salters will handle sideline reporting duties.

Coverage of the event will begin at 8 p.m. EST with analysis from the NBA Countdown crew featuring Shams Charania, Kendrick Perkins, Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith and Bob Myers.

Saturday, @ESPNNBA continues its coverage of the '24-'25 #NBA regular season with a 'Saturday Primetime on ABC' matchup

8p ET | NBA Countdown
8:30p ET | #LakeShow vs #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/lL9Ts3Vmuv
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 21, 2025

The Lakers are 2-2 since sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in their blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. With Doncic out on Thursday night, James recorded his second 40-point game of the 2024-25 NBA season. Austin Reaves also put forward an impressive effort, recording 32 points and seven assists in a 110-102 win over the Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets are currently on a nine-game win streak, including Thursday night's 129-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Jokic finished that victory with 29 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists.

Saturday night's Lakers-Nuggets matchup will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: