Luka Doncic narrowly missed a 3-point shot, Austin Reaves’ attempt bounced off the rim, and another player didn’t connect on his shot as the Lakers struggled from beyond the arc. Despite this, the team, known for the fewest 3-pointers made in the league, extended their winning streak to four games by narrowly defeating the Utah Jazz 108-106 at the Delta Center.
The Lakers, holding a 12-4 record, hit just 26.3% of their 3-point shots but maintained an 11-point lead with just over three minutes remaining. However, Lauri Markkanen’s 3-pointer late in the game trimmed the lead to one point. Doncic contributed 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, making one of two free throws during the final defensive stand. He struggled with 3-point shooting, converting only 3 of 12 attempts, and Reaves scored 22 points with 10 rebounds, though he hit only one of eight from deep.
“We didn’t play our best, but we managed to win—that’s what great teams do,” said Doncic. The Lakers lead the league with a 50.9% field goal percentage and shoot a remarkable 62.2% on 2-point attempts, outpacing all other teams in that category. Despite ranking poorly in 3-point shooting percentage (33.3%), they hold the fourth position in overall effective field goal percentage (57.2%) and boast the second-best record in the Western Conference.
Doncic humorously noted that neither he nor Reaves had fired well this season, but he remains confident once they regain their shooting form. Coach JJ Redick praised the team’s unity and ability to adapt amid shooting struggles. The Lakers have mostly avoided defeats except for blowouts against Atlanta and Oklahoma City, and their defense brought crucial energy in Sunday’s game against Utah’s fast-paced squad.
Forward Maxi Kleber stepped up after center Deandre Ayton exited with a knee injury. Kleber contributed key points and rebounds in the second half, helping the Lakers outscore the Jazz 16-9 in the third quarter. Despite limited minutes earlier, his physical defense made a big impact.
Redick had no updates on Ayton post-game. Without him, the Lakers might rely more on Jackson Hayes, Kleber, or reintroduce Jared Vanderbilt, sidelined with LeBron James back on the court. James, returning from sciatica, scored 17 points and dished out eight assists in his second game this season. After a four-day break without games, James felt like the team was starting fresh.
Doncic agreed the break was helpful for rest but disrupted their rhythm. The team practiced focused on bonding activities, including a visit from Snoop Dogg and a pickleball tournament. Doncic, teamed with development coach Ty Abbott, took pride in dominating Redick in the contest, highlighting the importance of strong team chemistry to get through rough shooting patches.
“It’s definitely fun to play with this group,” Doncic said about their bond, “and that’s what it’s all about.”
Fan Take: This game highlights how a team’s resilience and chemistry can overcome shooting struggles—something every basketball fan admires. The Lakers’ ability to win close games despite poor 3-point shooting could mark a strategic shift emphasizing defense and inside scoring, influencing how teams approach offense in the future.
