SALT LAKE CITY — The Los Angeles Lakers' six-game win streak came to an end on Wednesday in Utah as a lackluster performance stalled their momentum before heading into the All-Star weekend, losing 131-119 to the Utah Jazz.
L.A. heads into the break, winning 12 of their last 15 games with a 32-20 record, with a needed six days to rest as their frontcourt took a major hit at the Delta Center. Jaxson Hayes left the opening quarter and didn't return after suffering a facial contusion, finishing with four points in seven minutes.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that the team's top priority heading into the break is getting its core players healthy. He mentioned that Luka Dončić, who scored 16 points in 23 restricted minutes, is building toward his normal minutes and being in game shape with just his second game since Christmas Day.
"Today I felt a little bit rusty... turnovers, missed free throws, I got to do way better," said Dončić. "For me [the break], it's more mental rest than anything else, but I still got to work."
The injury to Hayes was a blow to an already undermanned Lakers team, down Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent. Utah's seven-foot duo Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen took advantage of the size discrepancy in L.A.'s front court.
Markkanen finished with 32 points (11-of-18 shooting) in 31 minutes. Kessler added 16 points (eight rebounds) while hitting all eight shot attempts.
Utah's frontcourt duo was two of six players scoring in double figures. Former Laker Jordan Clarkson gave the Jazz a huge veteran boost at point, finishing 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 28 minutes.
Alex Len, whom the Lakers signed on Monday after clearing waivers, was put into immediate action in his first game. His impact wasn't enough, with the Lakers failing to gain traction in what looked like a ready-for-the-break effort. In 22 minutes, Len finished with four points and seven rebounds.
For the first time in a game this season, no Laker scored over 20 points. Rui Hachimura was the Lakers leading scorer with 19 points. LeBron James added 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 33 minutes. Reaves had 15 points (four-of-15 shooting), 11 assists and five rebounds.
Rookie Dalton Knecht saw his first minutes since coming back from the Lakers trade deal that originally had him dealt to the Hornets for center Mark Williams, which fell through after a failed physical by team doctors.
"It felt like a movie, Knecht said, who finished with 10 points (three 3-pointers) in his return.
Despite the awkwardness, Knecht understood the business of the NBA and said he told Redick and Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka that all he wants to do, at the end of the day, is hoop.
Next Game
The Lakers' next game will be at home next Wednesday, ironically, against the Hornets, followed by the Trail Blazers on Thursday.