The Los Angeles Lakers (12-4) earned their first road victory of the year, holding on late to defeat the Utah Jazz (5-11), 108-106, in a gritty contest at Delta Center. Luka Dončić led the way with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James impressed in his first away game of the season following his return from a sciatica absence.
James — who logged eight assists and six rebounds in 34 minutes — provided most of his scoring in transition and strong drives to the rim, continuing to look more comfortable after missing the first 14 games of the season.
Utah stages late comeback but falls short
Lauri Markkanen came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 20 points to spearhead a Jazz rally. His late three-pointer capped a 17–5 Utah surge, cutting the Lakers’ lead to 107-106 in the final minute. However, after Dončić hit one of two free throws, a contested jumper from Keyonte George bounced off at the buzzer, sealing the win for Los Angeles.
George finished with 27 points and eight assists, leading a Utah group that competed from tip-off to final horn after losing by 14 in the previous matchup earlier in the week.
Lakers seize control in the fourth
Neither team built a lead larger than nine until the Lakers exploded for a 13–0 run, highlighted by a Dončić three-pointer that pushed the lead to 98-85 with 6:06 remaining. Austin Reaves added another strong performance with 22 points, while Rui Hachimura scored 13 as Los Angeles collected its fourth straight victory.
Ayton exits early with injury
Deandre Ayton played just 13 minutes before leaving mid-second quarter due to a knee issue, finishing with two points. In his absence, role players stepped up — including Maxi Kleber, whose lone basket of the night was a crucial dunk that gave L.A. a 107-101 cushion with 1:21 left.
What’s next
The Lakers now return home for a rivalry showdown.
- Lakers: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday
- Jazz: Visit Golden State on Monday
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