With LeBron James out due to a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy ailment, the Lakers faced an uphill struggle in Utah. They fought hard but fell short, losing 132-125, giving them their second straight loss and a 19-21 record for the season.

D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers in scoring with 39 points on 15-26 shooting. He also has eight assists.

Austin Reaves was frighteningly efficient, going 7-8 from the field for 19 points, but he fouled out midway through the fourth, thereby ending any dreams of a comeback win.

Rui Hachimura made his comeback and led the bench with 17 points on 50% shooting.

With James out and Hachimura returning, the Lakers went with a new starting lineup that included Anthony Davis, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Russell, and Austin Reaves.

Reaves and Russell were on fire in the first quarter, scoring the team’s first 19 points. Both began together frequently previous season but haven’t started together as much this year.

Both offenses scored easily as defense appeared to be optional to begin the game, and the Lakers won the battle early, scoring 39 points in the first quarter to take an eight-point lead.

Former Laker Jordan Clarkson got the Jazz rolling and brought them within a point midway through the second quarter, but thanks to Reaves’ perfect 6-6 shooting and Prince’s two three-pointers, the Lakers led at the half, 67-64.

Russell seized the energy he generated in the first half and burst in the third. He was making three-pointers, attacking the hoop, and jawing at the supporters, silencing them with each made basket.

While his name is referenced in trade speculations, he remains unbothered on the court and destroys his individual battle on most nights.

Despite Russell’s outstanding play, the Jazz got hot from three, connecting on five attempts from beyond the arc and retaking the lead from the Lakers. To make matters worse, Reddish was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to left knee pain. This is the second game in a row that he has been forced to miss the entirety of the second half due to left knee pain.

The Lakers had a five-point hole to overcome with 12 minutes remaining. Hachimura gave the Lakers an early boost, scoring eight of the team’s first ten points. Unfortunately, Reaves was called for his sixth foul midway through the fourth quarter, knocking him out of the game and making things even more difficult for the purple and gold.

Russell added a few more baskets, but the Lakers couldn’t close the distance, and the Jazz cruised to win.

Key Takeaways

It was a defeat, but there were some bright spots for Los Angeles.

The team put in a good effort and did not give up simply because their hero was absent.

The duo of Reaves and Russell shone and provided the squad with an offensive spark that had been missing. Hachimura also returned, providing a lift off the bench.

Hopefully, James will be able to return for the following game, and the Lakers will be able to transform the positive components of Saturday’s loss into a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.