Lakers Step Up After JJ Redick’s Call for Change and Overcome the Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY — During a pivotal moment in the third quarter, Brice Sensabaugh sank a wide-open three-pointer, prompting Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick to call a timeout and visibly express frustration with his team’s defensive performance.
The Lakers rebounded from the earlier lapse, amplifying their defensive efforts in the crucial fourth quarter. This shift allowed the Lakers’ offense to flourish, culminating in a 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday at the Delta Center.
Although the Lakers built a substantial 12-point lead in the fourth, the Jazz remained competitive, narrowing the gap to just four points in the closing minutes. However, the Lakers, led by Luka Doncic’s impressive triple-double—comprising 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds—had the answers necessary to maintain control of the game.
LeBron James contributed significantly with 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Marcus Smart added 17 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. The Lakers secured their third win in four games with this performance.
James faced a scare when he collided with Jazz player Walter Clayton Jr., momentarily hitting the floor after Clayton’s knee struck his left knee. Fortunately, he returned to the game shortly after, thrilling fans with a dynamic one-handed dunk in the third quarter.
The Lakers were already operating without starters Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness), and the absence of key role player Gabe Vincent, who is dealing with lower back tightness, compounded their challenges. Vincent is set for reevaluation in a week. Jaxson Hayes filled the center position for Ayton, while Smart started in Reaves’ place.
Similarly, the Jazz missed star forward Lauri Markkanen, the ninth-highest scorer in the NBA this season, due to a right groin injury. Despite his absence, the Jazz jumped out to an early lead, exploiting an unengaged Lakers defense.
For two days leading up to the game, the Lakers had emphasized the need for defensive intensity. However, their lack of execution allowed the Jazz to shoot 70% from the field and tally 41 points in the first quarter, taking a 10-point lead. The situation did not improve in the second quarter, as the Jazz scored 78 points by halftime and shot 63.4% overall, including 58.8% from three-point range.
Tensions grew as Smart received a technical foul before halftime for arguing with officials, and both Hayes and Doncic were assessed technicals in the third quarter. Nevertheless, the Lakers responded to Redick’s call for improvement, ultimately leading them to victory.
