Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

The Lakers starters are Ryan Kelly, Robert Sacre, Carlos Boozer, Wayne Ellington, and Jordan Clarkson. In all of the NBA right now, the Utah Jazz is the best defensive team in the last 30 games. The Lakers really have to step up their game tonight. Especially since Swaggy P's not playing. Ronnie Price is out for the year as well. We're just scraping at this point with bench players. 

Jordan Clarkson is off to a nice start. As suspected, the Jazz is showing some incredible defense, not letting the Lakers' shots go in. The Jazz was up by 10 points, but as of now, that's cut down by half as the Lakers are coming back strong. The Utah Jazz has beat the Lakers 7 of the last 10 games they played them. The way the Jazz is dominating this game so far, it won't surprise me if they take this win as well. Going into the second quarter with a score of 29-21 Jazz. 

The Lakers only have one turnover in the game so far. The Jazz showing some great ball movement. The Lakers just showed some nice ball movement as well, Clarkson making a shot. Jordan Clarkson just made an awesome slam dunk getting the AND1! Now that's what I've been talking about! I know he has crazy potential, but we rarely get to see it. We need to see that beautiful spirit and enthusiasm come out to play more often. The Lakers are down by 6 with 2 minutes to go in the half. The problem for these Lakers seems to be that as soon as we make a good play, they slow it down instead of staying aggressive. Boozer just made an easy bucket, handed down by Ellington. The Lakers only have two turnovers in the first half. The Halftime score is 51-45 Jazz. 

The Lakers are having a little trouble starting out this third quarter. Boozer makes a little spin and gets his shot in. Again, Boozer helping out, getting the ball to Clarkson to make an easy shot. Well, we're getting a lot of easy shots tonight. There's not much to say for outstanding Showtime Lakers plays. But I suppose, an easy shot is better than no shot. So much for entertainment and putting on a show. Man, I miss the Mamba! Wayne Ellington contributing his share, making a nice shot. The Lakers always seem to struggle in the third and fourth quarters. But, they're catching up a little bit in this third quarter. The Jazz now has 15 turnovers. Jordan Clarkson showing some nice aggression and confidence as he cuts through the lane, making a nice layup. The Lakers just gave up a couple of easy baskets. The end of this third quarter was a sorry excuse for NBA basketball. Other than Hill making one nice shot, it wasn't pretty.

I gotta say, I don't even remember the last time I saw the Lakers showing any athleticism. That should be a requirement for being an NBA player. Isn't that what the D League is for?! Jeremy Lin runs the ball down court, making an easy shot. Jeremy Lin is 3/10 tonight. Clarkson has tied his career high with 20 points so far. Wayne Ellington just missed a couple of long shots. Then Jordan Hill surprised himself, making a long shot, that he himself, didn't think would go in. The game is really close with the Jazz having a two point lead and 18.7 seconds left to go in the game. Jordan Hill gets free throws, making both of his shots. The Lakers have a four point lead now with 9 seconds left in the game. The game went back and fourth a little but the Lakers take the win with a final score of 100-97 Lakers. The Lakers broke their record of 11 straight losses on the road. Jordan Clarkson had a career high 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Wayne Ellington had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Carlos Boozer had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Jordan Hill had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Ed Davis had 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. #GoLakers