Lakers fall to 9-12 on the season after loss to Jazz

Jazz 117 - Lakers 110 (final)

The Lakers tried to come back with a last-ditch defensive effort but it was far too late. The Utah Jazz (12-10) beat the Lakers (9-12), for the second time this season, 117-110.

Utah scored at least 25 points in every quarter, peaking with 35 in the second. The Lakers exploded in the third offensively with 34, but the team’s defense just wasn’t there.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 34 points, hitting 12-of-14 free throws. His teammates got to the line just four times collectively. Meanwhile the Jazz seemed to parade to the line, hitting 21-of-27, as the Lakers almost always seemed to be a step behind Utah’s offense.

The Jazz shot 54.2% from the field, led by 24 points from Paul Millsap and 22 from Mo Williams. Both teams had six players in double figures.

Jordan Hill had 17 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots. Jodie Meeks contributed 16 while Dwight Howard finished with 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Jazz 88 - Lakers 85 (end of third quarter)

The Lakers charged back to start the second half, closing within a single point but the Jazz were able to regain control. Utah was able to extend their lead back to seven before the Lakers clawed within three to end the period.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 24 points as the Lakers improved to 45.7% from the field. The Lakers only turned the ball over twice in the third quarter.

The Jazz have two big scorers with Paul Millsap putting in 21 and Mo Williams 20. As a team Utah shot 55.4% from the field.

Coach Mike D’Antoni started Jordan Hill in the third instead of Antawn Jamison, trying to match up with Utah’s size.

Jazz 60 - Lakers 51 (halftime)

The Lakers had a terrible quarter defensively, giving up 35 points to the Jazz. Utah shot 55.3% from the field for the game, scoring 15 points off nine Lakers’ turnovers.

Jordan Hill was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 13 points on 6-9 shooting from the field. The team shot just 41.7% from the field but hit 7-14 from three-point range to keep the deficit within single digits.

Kobe Bryant’s 10 points came on three-of-10 shooting. Dwight Howard had just four (2-5) but he also grabbed nine first-half rebounds.

The Jazz were led by both Paul Millsap and Mo Williams with 11 apiece. DeMarre Carroll made an impact defensively while scoring eight points on four-of-seven shooting. Utah climbed ahead by as many as 12 before the Lakers closed the gap to nine.

Lakers 27, Jazz 25 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers overcame a slow start against the Utah Jazz, emerging with a two-point lead despite the Jazz scoring eight unanswered points to open the game.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with nine points but reserve big man Jordan Hill seemed to be the difference-maker, logging six points in only six minutes. The Lakers shot 47.8% from the field with four turnovers, three early in the quarter.

The Jazz shot 54.5% from the field, with three players scoring six points (Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson and Mo Williams). Derrick Favors is sitting out Sunday with a foot injury (plantar fasciitis).

Pregame

The Lakers have a brief stop at home Sunday night, as they host the Utah Jazz before embarking on a four-game trip.

The Jazz (11-10) beat the Lakers in the season opener in Utah in a relatively close game broken open by a big night from Randy Foye.

Pau Gasol (knees), Steve Nash (leg) and Steve Blake (abdominal surgery) will be out for the Lakers. Both Al Jefferson (back) and Derrick Favors (foot) are banged up but are expected to play for Utah.

The Lakers have struggled recently and are in serious need of a win. The Jazz is a difficult opponent, but the home team should be able to head back out on the road after securing a victory.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Jazz.

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