The Lakers’ defense was suspect on Thursday, but in the fourth quarter, they tightened up on the road to secure a win against the Jazz.
Luka Dončić had a big scoring night, LeBron James continues to look
better and better with each passing game and despite no Austin Reaves or Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart fouling out, they continue to put W’s in the win column.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron James
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
33 minutes, 28 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 8-17 FG, 0-5 3PT, 12-13 FT, -6
LeBron continues to find his offensive rhythm. He attacked the rim and either scored inside or got fouled. James ended the night going 12-13 from the free throw line.
He also had a monster jam in the first half and when you factor in his passing and willingness to crash the boards, fans have to be happy with LeBron’s play in Salt Lake City.
Grade: B+
Luka Dončić
40 minutes, 45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 14-28 FG, 4-12 3PT, 13-16 FT, -5
Luka just puts up some gaudy numbers. A 45-point triple-double on the road is just ridiculous. I’m not sure why fans still try talking smack to him.
I guess they like the star attention, but it rarely goes well for opposing teams. As the game progressed, Luka got hot and kept yapping back after each make as he put the Jazz away.
What more can be said about Luka? He’s simply one of the best players in the NBA.
Grade: A-
Rui Hachimura
33 minutes, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 4 fouls, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0
Hachimura needed to do more in this game. As usual, his defense and rebounding were subpar. His defensive errors felt louder than usual. In the fourth, there was a moment where his defender left him to try to steal the ball from LeBron, and Rui gave James no warning. The result? A Utah steal and basket and an angry LeBron yapping at Rui about a need for communication.
Hachimura is a great scorer, but he needs to be sharper in all phases of the game.
Grade: C-
Jaxson Hayes
22 minutes, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 7-7 FG, 2-4 FT, -10
With Ayton out, Hayes stepped into the starting lineup and dominated. He was a perfect 7-7 from the field and was a ball of energy. Thanks to Hayes embracing his role as a backup and a starter when necessary, he’s made the center position a strength on this roster.
Grade: A-
Marcus Smart
28 minutes, 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 6 fouls, 6-11 FG, 5-9 3PT, +12
Smart had a good offensive night, but he was far too careless against the Jazz. He fouled way too much and got careless defensively and it caused him to foul out. Smart has to be better down the stretch because he can’t be fouling out, especially with so many players out.
Overall, his quality of play was what the Lakers needed.
Grade: B
Jarred Vanderbilt
25 minutes, 7 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 3-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, +15
Vando was part of the defensive-minded lineup that helped keep the Lakers in the game in the first half. Sure, his offense is a struggle, but he continues to positively impact the game and be worth playing at least a shift or two per game.
With so many players missing, he played more than that, and it helped the Lakers win the game.
Grade: B
Jake LaRavia
28 minutes, 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 fouls, 4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +12
LaRavia had the highlight of the game, connecting on a Luka lob for a dunk.
LaRavia was respectable defensively even if he had a high number of fouls, though a lot of that felt like officiating more than LaRavia being careless. Overall, he played well and consistently knocked down his open looks.
Grade: B
Maxi Kleber
19 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 3 fouls, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-4 FT, +15
Kleber played more with Ayton out, and he did his best. That might not be enough on a nightly basis, but in this specific game, it was helpful.
Grade: C-
JJ Redick
Redick did the best he could with who he had available. I like that he played Vando and that he went with essentially just eight players. He found a way to win with a limited roster and that’s a sign of a good coach.
Grade: B+
Thursday’s inactives: Chris Mañon, Bronny James, Drew Timme, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
