The Los Angeles Lakers closed the regular season with a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night at crypto.com Arena, finishing on a three-game winning streak and locking into the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
LeBron James helped set the tone early, finishing the first half with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds before the Lakers held him out after halftime as a precaution. Luke Kennard also did not return, while Los Angeles managed the final two quarters with its postseason plan in mind.
Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each scored 22 points for the Lakers, and Ayton added 10 rebounds as Los Angeles controlled the paint and kept the ball moving. The Lakers shot 55% from the field, 44% from three-point range and 82% at the foul line.
With Luka Doncic sidelined by a hamstring injury and Austin Reaves out with an oblique issue, head coach JJ Redick emphasized chemistry and continuity over chasing the standings. Los Angeles had a chance at the No. 3 seed only if it won and Denver lost, but the team stayed focused on finishing healthy.
Nick Smith Jr. added 12 points after signing a two-year contract Sunday, giving the Lakers another ballhandler and making him eligible for the playoffs. His addition matters with Los Angeles entering the postseason short-handed at the top of the rotation.
Utah was led by Oscar Tshiebwe, who delivered 29 points and 17 rebounds in a strong interior performance. The Jazz also got 15 points from Ace Bailey and 14 from Cody Williams, but they could not slow the Lakers’ pace or shot-making.
The loss extended Utah’s road losing streak to 11 games and marked another step in a difficult season. The Jazz finished with 60 losses for the second straight year after dropping a franchise-record 65 games last season.
Los Angeles finished the year 49-33 and will open the playoffs against Houston in Game 1 on Saturday.
