Lakers fall to Jazz in frustrating loss.
The Lakers fall back in the loss column in a frustrating loss to the Utah Jazz, falling 130–116 and giving up a season-high 75 points in the first half to drop their season record to 2–6.
“We took a huge step backwards tonight, giving up 75 points in the first half,” said coach Ham about the Lakers' defense.
The Jazz’s starting unit combined for 89 of their 130 points, screaming just how dreadful the Lakers' defense was on stopping Utah’s offense.
Despite shooting 42% (11-for-26) from behind the arc and 48% (40-for-83) total, the Lakers still couldn’t stay in the win column, giving up a season-high in a quarter with 40 points allowed out of the gate in the 1st quarter to Utah.
In his fourth game coming off the bench, Russell Westbrook maintained his momentum and high intensity, displaying a new level of urgency in Friday's loss to the Jazz.
“It’s the NBA, 82 games. You can be beaten on any given night,” said Westbrook.
Westbrook finished with a game-high 28 points on 60% (3-for-5) shooting from three and 64% (9-for-14) shooting total, adding 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in 29 minutes off the bench.
Anthony Davis struggled defensively against Utah’s big men, allowing Lauri Markkanen to have a high night with 27 points.
Davis finished second on the team with 22 points on 53% shooting from the field, adding 8 rebounds and a pair of blocks and assists in 34 minutes.
Twitter was having its way against LeBron in Friday’s Lakers' loss. The words “father time” was trending due to his father time commercials and off-night shooting with another 0-for night from three (0-for-5).
LeBron finished with a near triple-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in 34 minutes.
LeBron is 0-for-12 from three in the past two games for the Lakers, shooting 22% from behind the arc on the season.
For being in his 19th season, having an off night with a near triple-double is telling of how great LeBron is. Yes, this is worrisome, but don't expect LeBron to continue these numbers, as he’s shown in his career to dispel all doubt.
The Lakers’ next matchup remains at home this Sunday against the 7–1 Cleveland Cavaliers at 12:30 PM on Spectrum SportsNet.
