Malone Puts His Stamp on Lakers : Pro basketball: The Utah forward scores 11 points late in the fourth quarter to give the Jazz a 97-91 victory.

The Lakers, who had won three games here in the last five seasons, in which they were NBA champions twice and finalists a third time, tried the Delta Center.

As far as they’re concerned, it’s just Karl Malone and another 7,000 seats.

They battled the Jazz on even terms midway through the fourth quarter Thursday night, but after that, neither Mike Dunleavy nor his front line could stop the Mailman from his appointed rounds. Malone scored 11 of his 35 points in the last 6:07, and the Jazz beat the Lakers, 97-91.

The Jazz is 22-2 in its new building. As soon as Malone retires, Utah might look more hospitable.

“Everybody I play against, it seems like they play harder,” Malone said later. “For three quarters, guys are banging you, pushing you away. Comes a point in the fourth quarter, maybe those guys get a little tired.”

Mindful of the Jazz home record, Dunleavy junked his normal defense on Malone--Sam Perkins, with help--and tried a little of everything and everyone.

A.C. Green played Malone most of the game, but Elden Campbell, Jack Haley and Perkins served time.

Malone scored his points, but the Lakers stayed competitive.

They fell behind, 51-44, late in the second quarter but cut it to 56-54 at the half.

They jumped into the lead in the third quarter and led, 77-74, going into the fourth.

They led, 80-76, early in the fourth period with the ball. Campbell tried a high, arching 15-footer from the baseline. It came down short, the Jazz rebounded and ran a fast break. Malone, fouled, made two free throws and the Jazz was on its way back.

With the score tied, 84-84, John Stockton stole the ball from Sedale Threatt, who was bringing it up along the left sideline, challenged Campbell and tossed in a twisting reverse layup.

The Lakers never caught up again. On the next four possessions, Malone scored on a 19-footer, a post-up layup, a fast-break layup and another break on which he was fouled going to the basket, slapped fans’ hands, then went to the foul line and made two free throws.

By then, the Jazz led, 94-86, and the Laker fate was sealed.

Dunleavy grumbled later about the Jazz defense, which he thought violated at least the spirit of the rules.

The Lakers kept running into 7-foot-4, 290-pound former-Bruin Mark Eaton.

They didn’t think it was because of his great ability to pursue plays.

“I can’t say what they did,” Dunleavy said. “Why? Because I probably would get fined. Just go look at the tapes. It’s a problem when you play the Jazz. They’re an extremely good team, an extremely good defensive team, but to me, they zone up a lot and get away with it.”

Nonplussed Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan said he didn’t think his team played a zone.

The Lakers flew home. This whole state is a zone for them and not a happy one.

Laker Notes

Elden Campbell made 10 of his 14 shots on this two-game trip. “It’s him,” Mike Dunleavy said. “He’s been working harder in the last couple of weeks. and it’s paid off.” . . . John Stockton’s 18 assists tied him with Bob Cousy at 6,955 for No. 6 on the all-time list and took it in his usual low-key way. “I didn’t know about it until somebody told me before the game,” he said. “Some day you might look at it and feel good. Right now, I’m just playing.” . . . And Stockton, on the new Lakers: “Take Karl Malone off our team. That’s the difference. But the Lakers are still a good team. They win on the road. They play their tempo. They’re consistent. By no means do I think they’re anything but a good team.” . . . Rory Sparrow returned to the lineup after missing one game with a sprained ankle. Tony Smith went back to the bench.

* NBA ROUNDUP

A three-point basket by Minnesota’s Pooh Richardson beats the buzzer and the Detroit Pistons, 96-93. C8