The Lakers seemed content just to run with Utah and try to exchange buckets for a while. The first half in particular was some of the worst defense you'll see at the NBA level.
After the break, though, the Lakers started to right the ship on that side, and down the stretch clearly bumped up the effort. The result was a 143-135 win over the Jazz in Utah. Luka Dončić led the way with a dominant 45 point, 11 rebound, 14 assist night. LeBron James was a major contributor, with 28 points and 10 dimes. Playing without Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers had six players finish in double figures, and used strong bench contributions from Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia and Maxi Kleber to fuel the late push and get what will look in the box score like an easier win than it was.
It was a win that played along with themes that have followed the Lakers for the last couple weeks -- getting the job done, ultimately, but in ways that don't scream dominance, and with shortcomings that are glaring. The Lakers simply can't be as bad as they were defensively and expect to beat good teams. Or not be buried by the time they got around to making their run. At some point, they just have to show more consistency on that side.
On the flip side, an offense that has been effective in the macro but not exactly hyper-efficient in the micro was excellent on Wednesday. In that sense, there's stuff to build on. The Lakers get a day off before facing the Clippers Saturday.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a win behind a big game from Luka.
SEGMENT 2: How about a little D?
SEGMENT 3: A chance to deepen humiliation for the Clippers.
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