Bronny James led the way for the Lakers and had a game high 18 points on 7/13 shooting.

The New York Knicks have reportedly taken a firm stance on the LeBron James rumors, and it’s a hard pass.

But the Nuggets started to pull away late in the third quarter, and they outscored L.A. 30-15 in the final frame en route to a 106-84 victory.

In a surprise move, Smart plans to sign a two-year deal with the Lakers, the Celtics’ longtime rival.

“BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote. “A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.”

Smart has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 635 regular-season games (387 starts) since being the No. 6 pick in the 2014 draft.