Randle's 1st triple-double, Kobe's 28 not enough against Nuggets

LOS ANGELES - D.J. Augustin scored 20 points and Jusuf Nurkic added a career-high 18 in the Denver Nuggets' 116-105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

Kobe Bryant hit four 3-pointers and scored 28 points in his final meeting with the Nuggets, producing his highest-scoring performance in nearly eight weeks during his farewell season.

Julius Randle also had his first career triple-double for the Lakers with 13 points, 18 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.

But Will Barton added 16 points in a balanced effort by the Nuggets, who have won three of four. They have beaten the Lakers six straight times at Staples Center.

D'Angelo Russell was carried off the court by teammates late in the first half, unable to put weight on a sprained right ankle.

Jordan Clarkson added 20 points for the Lakers, who have lost six of seven to fall to 15-57. The 16-time NBA champion franchise has never won fewer than 21 games since moving to Los Angeles 56 years ago.

Randle wrapped up his triple-double with a last-minute assist to Clarkson.

Bryant had his most prolific offensive game since dropping 38 on Minnesota on Feb. 2, earning a standing ovation when he checked out with 1:44 to play. He went 10 of 22 from the field in 28 minutes, and his 11-point third quarter made it close for a while.

Los Angeles trimmed an 18-point deficit to 85-81 in the second half with a prolonged surge led by Bryant. The Nuggets replied with a 20-6 run midway through the fourth quarter to restore the 18-point lead.

KOBE IN

Bryant suited up for the third time in four days despite his perpetually sore right shoulder. After sitting out the majority of the Lakers' home games in recent weeks to rest his body for road farewells, Bryant intends to try to play in each of the Lakers' last 10 games in his final season, coach Byron Scott said before the game.

The Lakers' final five home games include dates with Miami and Boston before his finale against Utah on April 13.

D'ANGELO DOWN

Russell appeared to be making a normal defensive move when he rolled his ankle and immediately went down in pain. Clarkson and Tarik Black carried the No. 2 overall pick off the court. The Lakers announced he has a moderate sprain, with X-rays revealing no broken bones. Russell is the NBA's fourth-leading scorer among rookies with 13.3 points per game, and he ranks third with 3.5 assists. The Lakers will know more Saturday about his availability for their final 10 games.