With LeBron James out with 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 season record of 19-21.

D’Angelo Russell had another outstanding performance, leading the Lakers in scoring with 39 points on 15-26 shooting. He also contributed eight assists.

Austin Reaves was frighteningly efficient, shooting 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 returned to the lineup and led the bench with 17 points on 50% shooting.

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

The pairing of Reaves and Russell was on fire in the first quarter, scoring the team’s first 19 points. The pair started together frequently last season but haven’t started together as much this year.

Both offenses scored easily as defense appeared to be optional early in 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 break, 67-64.

Russell used the momentum he gained in the first half to erupt in the third. He was making three-pointers, attacking the hoop, and jawing at the supporters, silencing them with each basket.

While his name is referenced in trade rumors, it’s evident that he stays unbothered on the court and crushes 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 to retake the lead from the Lakers. To make matters worse, Reddish was ruled out for the rest of the game due to left knee pain. This is the second game in a row that he has been forced to leave the game due to left knee pain.

The Lakers faced a five-point hole with 12 minutes remaining. Hachimura provided a spark for the Lakers, scoring eight of the team’s first ten points. Unfortunately, Reaves was called for his sixth foul midway through the fourth quarter, pulling him out of the game and complicating matters even further for the purple and gold.

Russell added a few more baskets, but the Lakers couldn’t close the deficit, and the Jazz won easily.

Important Takeaways

Los Angeles suffered a defeat, but there were some bright spots.

The squad put in a terrific effort and did not give up simply because their hero was injured.

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

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