Anthony Davis delivered a powerful performance with 37 points and 15 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura achieved a personal best, scoring 36 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a commanding 138-122 victory over the Utah Jazz during Wednesday’s NBA action.
“We are just playing the right way, sharing the basketball and playing together. Guys are making shots and we’re just in a great groove and having fun,” Davis said.
This game came on the eve of the All-Star break, with LeBron James resting due to an ankle injury but expected to appear in his 20th All-Star Game soon after.
“It’s kind of one of those trap games right before All-Star, and you’re on the road. You get in late, and you can easily fold … but we didn’t,” Davis said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angele Lakers, Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Despite the absence of James, the Lakers showcased their resilience and determination. Hachimura excelled beyond his previous career milestones, making six 3-pointers and aiming to be a pivotal presence for his team both offensively and defensively.
“I want to impact the game. My goal is to be the X-factor for the team, offensively or defensively. Be aggressive and use my size,” Hachimura said.
The Lakers’ recent form has been impressive, securing victories in six of their last seven matches and emphasizing their emerging team identity. Davis and Hachimura marked a historic achievement for Los Angeles, becoming the first duo since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2003 to each score over 35 points in a single game.
“This is who we are. This is who we need to be,” Davis said. “We got to have an identity and we are starting to establish that.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angele Lakers, Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Despite efforts from Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz faced another setback, continuing a challenging phase with their ninth loss in the last 13 games. The team remains hopeful, with Markkanen emphasizing their potential and fighting spirit.
“We haven’t given up, so that’s one thing we have on this team. (We’re) just playing our hearts out. … We have a lot of potential with this team,” Markkanen said.
The Lakers’ offensive strategy was on point, shooting 57% from the field, which facilitated both penetrative drives and open shots from the perimeter. Contributions also came from Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, the latter providing a career-high 17 assists, enhancing the team’s dynamic play.
“I think you just find what’s working and feed that. It allows the game to open up for everybody,” Russell said
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angele Lakers, Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates.
Davis’s remarkable scoring spree and Hachimura’s first-half dominance were highlights, with Lakers coach Darvin Ham praising Hachimura’s impactful performance and urging him to maintain that aggressive approach.
“I’ve been telling Rui, ‘I need you to come out and play like a wild man. Just put your fingerprints all over the game,’” Ham said. “He heard us loud and clear with us encouraging him. We need Rui to be great in order for us to be great.”
As the teams head into the All-Star break, the Lakers look forward to continuing their momentum against the Golden State Warriors, while the Jazz aim to regroup and face the same opponents in their next game, seeking to turn their fortunes around.
