Lakers defeat Jazz for ninth win in 11 games

LeBron James scored 36 factors with eight 3-pointers to carry the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon.

Though they received the ultimate sport of the common season, the Lakers (43-39) did not earn themselves a assured playoff spot. The No. 7 seed Lakers will host the No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday within the play-in spherical.

Anthony Davis contributed 16 factors, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks and three steals within the win, whereas D’Angelo Russell scored 17 because the Lakers received for the ninth time in 11 video games.

Kris Dunn scored 26 factors with 10 rebounds and eight assists to guide the Jazz (37-45), who once more performed with out their beginning lineup and a few different key gamers.

Kelly Olynyk, who performed properly for the rebuilding Jazz squad this season, scored 23 factors with 5 boards and 4 assists. Simone Fontecchio added 20 factors and 9 rebounds.

After beginning the season off with a surprisingly good 12-6 report, the Jazz closed out the season by dropping 9 of their remaining 11 as they missed out on postseason motion for the primary time since 2016.

The Lakers jumped out to a 20-7 begin after James drained three early 3-pointers. L.A. cruised to a 65-56 halftime lead.

Utah chipped away on the deficit, pulling inside 4, 83-79, halfway via the third quarter after an Azubuike dunk.

The Jazz stored the stress on after the Lakers threatened to drag away within the third, ultimately making it a one-point sport following a Simone Fontecchio 3-pointer.

The fourth quarter was aggressive, with the Jazz staying inside attain and solely trailing by three after a Dunn dunk with 2:49 remaining.

The Lakers’ protection held the Jazz scoreless the remainder of the way in which, and James despatched L.A. into the play-in on a roll by hitting a pair of late 3s.

James additionally dished out six assists and grabbed six rebounds whereas hitting 13 of 25 discipline targets within the win.

–Field Level Media/Reuters