The Lakers started slow in LeBron James’ debut, but kicked it up a gear in the second half to beat the Jazz going away, 140-125.
LA trailed by double digits in the first half and never led until late in the third
quarter, but eventually built up a 23-point lead in the fourth behind Luka Dončić’s strong third and LeBron’s strong fourth.
The game started cold for LA as they only connected on three of their first 10 attempts for six points. Utah was shooting 50% from behind the arc with former Laker Svi Mykhailiuk and Keyonte George draining a combined four 3-pointers. Utah pulled ahead by 11.
Los Angeles continued to struggle offensively. Luka was up to six points and the next highest scorer was Reaves with three points. George, meanwhile, was in double figures for the Jazz with 11 points.
With 4:19 left in the quarter, LA still hadn’t made a 3-pointer. Los Angeles had gotten to within five, but they allowed a quick 9-2 scoring run from the Jazz to make it a nine-point deficit at the end of the first.
The Lakers started the second period on a better offensive note, scoring seven points early. Lauri Markkanen was cooking for Utah with a quick five points. Reaves was shouldering the scoring with seven points, helping make it a five-point game.
LeBron knocked down his first shot of the game and season, which was a 3-pointer.
He then threw a lob to Ayton for an easy dunk. LA had made it a two-point game until George scored eight straight points as part of another Utah surge. Luka started cooking with nine points, jumpstarting a 10-2 Laker scoring run to make it a three-point game.
A Reaves four-point play tied the game, but he unfortunately fouled Markkanen on the other end who also completed a four-point play, giving the Jazz a four-point halftime lead.
Utah started the third quarter strong with seven points. The Lakers continued to struggle heavily defensively, but their offense was good as they were shooting 56% from the field.
Ace Bailey started to cook for the Jazz with five points. LeBron looked even more comfortable from the field, scoring on a midrange jumper and a layup as he was up to 11 points.
The Lakers scored four straight points to make it a one-point game. Luka converted on a layup that put LA up by one at the 3:25 mark, then continued cooking with a 3-pointer and an old school three-point play. His 17 points in the quarter helped Los Angeles snatch all the momentum.
After a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Vincent, LA’s lead was 11 going into the fourth.
The final frame started with Utah pulling to within five. Vincent drained another 3-pointer to stop the small momentum the Jazz built. Ayton then scored four in a row off a pair of LeBron dimes to make it a 13-point game.
Los Angeles continued to dominate offensively, making it a 23-point lead. The Lakers then emptied the bench with 3:33 left. Bronny knocked down a 3-pointer that had the crowd buzzing.
Key Player Stats
LeBron James made his season debut and ended with 11 points and 12 assists. Luka scored 37 points with 10 assists and four steals. Austin Reaves pitched in with 26 points and five rebounds.
Deandre Ayton had 20 points with 14 rebounds. Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart combined for 18 points off the bench. Gabe Vincent drained two 3-pointers for six points.
The Lakers’ next matchup is Sunday against the Utah Jazz at 5:00 PM PT.
You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
