LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Though Kobe Byrant scored the highest 29 points, the Los Angeles Lakers still lost to the Denver Nuggets 108-119 for the first defeat after the All-Star weekend on Monday night.

Each team did a great offense job, the Lakers shot 55.1% from the floor while the Nuggets shot 55.7%. However, the Lakers had poor defense and too many turnovers while the Nuggets dominated the game with fast-break points.

Mamba got a technical foul at the end of the first half, which made his total technical fouls 14 this season, only two more to get banned for a game.

Byrant also contributed nine assists and six rebounds, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 14 boards but missed 11 of his 14 free throws. Steve Nash donated 16 for the Lakers.

The Nuggets Wilson Chandler scored 23 points, Ty Lawson contributed 22 points, bench Corey Brewer added 16 points.