The Denver Nuggets’ preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday put Cam Johnson in the spotlight, as the Nuggets forward received his first ejection of the season.
Johnson was thrown out of the game after elbowing Austin Reaves in the face. Following an extensive review, officials assessed Johnson a Flagrant 2 foul for making “unnecessary and excessive” contact with Reaves’ face.
Cam Johnson was ejected from the game following this elbow to the face of Austin Reaves.
This was ruled a Flagrant 2. pic.twitter.com/WmVaNpuMyM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2026
The Nuggets forward was subsequently ejected from Friday’s preseason contest. Before leaving the court, Cam took a moment to shake hands with his teammates.
The decision attracted attention because some viewers felt the contact did not appear particularly forceful. Reaves himself seemed surprised by the ruling, while reactions online were divided over whether the incident warranted an immediate ejection.
Before exiting the game, Johnson, a hottest trade candidate for Denver, recorded 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc in 23 minutes. He also contributed three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Nikola Jokic wrapped up the game with 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in 31 minutes of action. Jamal Murray also played an important role, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds, and six assists in 31 minutes. Christian Braun chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers.
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic posted 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes. Reaves paced Los Angeles with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The win allowed Denver to end its preseason on a positive note, finishing with a 3-2 record. The Nuggets will now turn their attention to the 2026-27 NBA regular season, which begins with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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