Luka Doncic recorded 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds for his fifth triple-double of the season as the Los Angeles Lakers (19-7) overcame the Utah Jazz (10-16) 143-135 on Thursday at Delta Center.
LeBron James added 28 points and 10 assists, while Jaxson Hayes scored a perfect 16 points on 7-of-7 shooting against Utah, helping the Lakers outscore the Jazz 41-29 in the fourth quarter.
Utah led 78-73 at halftime behind a 65% shooting performance, but Doncic kept Los Angeles close by scoring or assisting on 16 of their 27 first-half baskets. The Lakers trailed most of the first three quarters before rallying in the fourth.
Keyonte George had 33 points, his third straight 30-point game, and rookie Ace Bailey added 19 points for the Jazz, who played without Lauri Markkanen. Despite shooting 49% from the field, Utah fell short in a high-paced scoring affair.
The Lakers overcame the absence of Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves, while James played through a knee tweak and a jaw hit to anchor the comeback. Technical fouls were issued to Marcus Smart, Hayes, and Doncic in the third quarter amid frustration over Utah’s 47 free-throw attempts.
Doncic’s final assist to Hayes with 0.4 seconds left provided the game-clinching cushion after the Jazz cut the deficit to 134-130. The Lakers improved to 19-7, claiming their third win in four games despite allowing a season-high 135 points.
Los Angeles will face the Clippers in a home matchup on Saturday, while Utah hosts the Orlando Magic, seeking consecutive wins for the first time this season.
