The Lakers continue to struggle against the Nuggets, falling behind 3-0 in the series.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a dire situation after falling to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, putting them in a 3-0 hole that no team in NBA history has ever climbed out of.

Despite knowing the weaknesses of the Nuggets and having a game plan in place, the Lakers were unable to execute and now face the reality of an early offseason. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon, outplayed the Lakers in a commanding 112-105 victory at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, going just 1 of 14 from 3-point range entering the fourth quarter. Even the efforts of LeBron James and Anthony Davis weren’t enough to overcome the Nuggets’ dominance.

Davis, who had a game-high 33 points, faded late in the game, while James put up 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in a losing effort. The Lakers’ supporting cast failed to step up when needed, with D’Angelo Russell going scoreless and Austin Reaves’ scoring coming too late in the game.

The Nuggets showcased their depth and offensive prowess, with Gordon recording 29 points and 15 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. adding 20 points, including 10 in the crucial fourth quarter.

As the Lakers face the daunting task of trying to make history by coming back from a 3-0 deficit, James acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for near-perfect basketball to compete with the talented Nuggets.

With their backs against the wall, the Lakers must regroup and find a way to stave off elimination in Game 4 to keep their playoff hopes alive. But with the Nuggets firmly in control of the series, the Lakers will need a miraculous turnaround to avoid an early exit from the postseason.