In their final game before the All-Star break, the Lakers appeared sluggish in their 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
It seemed to reflect a team already looking ahead to a much-needed week off after a demanding 52-game stretch.
While fatigue may have been a factor, the stark contrast in the team’s energy level was evident, especially considering how well they had played in recent weeks.
Just a game prior, Luka Doncic had praised the Lakers’ chemistry after they dominated the same Utah team in his debut.
However, this time, the momentum was absent. The team struggled with execution – James lost control of a pass in the backcourt, while Doncic fired an errant ball toward Reaves, indicating miscommunication.
“I just didn’t feel like we were as connected on the defensive end. We had a lot of blowing coverages,” Austin Reaves said.
“And then tonight when shots don’t fall, you got to be really good on the defensive end. And we weren’t.”
Final pic.twitter.com/iRmA3wz37h
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 13, 2025
Despite the struggles, there were brief moments of brilliance. Reaves connected on a three-pointer off a flashy, no-look, behind-the-back pass from Doncic.
“He is an unbelievable passer that can make any pass in basketball and I was just, at that point, hoping I made a shot,” Reaves added. “I was happy it went in.”
Jaxson Hayes, who has become an essential part of the Lakers’ rotation, suffered a facial contusion after just eight minutes, forcing the team to rely on newly signed centre Alex Len.
Len, playing his first game since joining the team on Tuesday, had difficulty making an impact on both ends of the floor, finishing with just four points.
James managed 18 points, while Doncic, limited by foul trouble, recorded 16. Reaves contributed 15 but struggled from beyond the arc, making just one of 10 three-point attempts.
“We are approaching this break and we gotta rest,” Doncic said. “For me, I think it’s more mental rest than anything else. But I still gotta work. So I’m excited about this break and I can’t wait to go back to play.”
The Lakers also felt the absence of Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent, who were sidelined due to injury management. Their energy and defensive presence were missed, and the team’s inefficiency at the free-throw line – making just 17 of 30 attempts – further compounded their struggles.
Dalton Knecht, seeing his first game action since a trade with the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded, contributed 10 points off the bench, while Bronny James posted a career-high nine points.
Head coach JJ Redick was blunt in his assessment of the team’s defensive shortcomings.
“We weren’t physical, we didn’t talk,” Redick said. “Never really got to a place in the game where we were talking and executing the off-ball, curl-switch rules. And you give a team confidence, you let them be comfortable and this is what happens. That’s the NBA.”
The Lakers will return to action next Wednesday when they face the Hornets at home, hoping to regroup after the All-Star break.
