Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and recorded a season-high three steals to lead the Utah Jazz to a 131-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Utah, which entered the game on a three-game losing streak, improved to 13-40 while Los Angeles dropped to 32-20.
Jordan Clarkson contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the Jazz controlled the game after halftime. Keyonte George added 20 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds off the bench, providing a spark that helped Utah pull away.
The Jazz built a 56-45 lead in the second quarter, using a 19-6 run highlighted by back-to-back alley-oop dunks from Walker Kessler. Kessler also played a major role defensively, registering a season-high five blocks before halftime.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Rui Hachimura was the Lakers’ top scorer with 19 points, while Luka Doncic added 16. Austin Reaves contributed 15 points and a team-high 11 assists.
Los Angeles closed the gap to 74-69 early in the third quarter after consecutive three-pointers by James and Reaves. However, Utah responded with a dominant 22-2 run, led by Clarkson’s scoring and capped by a tip-in dunk from Kessler.
The Lakers struggled to find an offensive rhythm during the stretch, managing just one field goal in five minutes before Hachimura ended the drought with a three-pointer. Despite a brief rally, Utah maintained control the rest of the way.
Bronny James provided a late spark off the bench for Los Angeles, scoring a career-high nine points in the fourth quarter. However, the Lakers were unable to overcome Utah’s efficient offensive performance.
Utah converted 52.3% of its field goal attempts, including 15-of-41 from three-point range, while limiting the Lakers to 44.6% shooting. The Jazz also held a 48-45 rebounding edge and outscored Los Angeles 40-30 in the third quarter.
Isaiah Collier dished out nine assists for Utah, marking his sixth consecutive game with at least nine. Kessler finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks, while John Collins contributed 17 points and eight boards.
