The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a narrow 105-104 win over the Utah Jazz tonight. The result could have been very different were it not for a massive mistake from Jazz coach Will Hardy, who called a timeout with two seconds to go, just before Collin Sexton drove to the basket and made what could have been a game-winning drive.
Bruh Will Hardy glitched 😭😭😭
He thought of Cooper Flagg at this very moment 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/5rBrF6rNon
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) December 2, 2024
Anthony Davis continued his great season with a triple-double, putting up 33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, and two steals. LeBron James had a decent bounce-back performance, with 27 points (12-28 FG), 14 assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. However, James’ struggles from the three-point line continued, as he went 0-9 from deep, and is now 0-16 from range in his last three games.
The Jazz did put up a fight against the Lakers, as Lauri Markkanen led them with 22 points (8-17 FG), seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal. John Collins had 21 points (7-14 FG), nine rebounds, three assists, and one block. Walker Kessler had a brilliant double-double with 15 points (7-7 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
Lakers fans were thrilled with the big win, as they had been struggling for forms in the last few weeks. Many questioned the strange timeout call from Jazz coach Will Hardy and were grateful for the blunder as it helped them pick up an all-important win as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
“Wow, Jazz head coach Will Hardy calls a timeout when Sexton has a lane to the basket. Holy…”
“Will Hardy a motherf**king goat bruh. I would have ****** myself if we lost I swear to God.”
“Will Hardy is going to hell.”
“Danny Ainge told Will Hardy he wanted Cooper Flagg LMFAO.”
“Will Hardy needs to be investigated LMAO what did I just watch?”
“Utah Jazz Coach Will Hardy was a Fan Duel double agent tonight I’m crying.”
“Welp, wins don’t get uglier than that… Lakers now 12-8.”
“Thank you, Will Hardy.”
“Thank you Will Hardy. Months from now, when the Lakers are fighting for playoff/play-in positioning, we’re going to look back on this for sure lmao.”
“Just noticed LeBron went 0-9 from 3 at Utah – 0-6 from 3 in the 4th q. Ouch. Lakers were fortunate to hang on by a point.”
“A blessing in disguise for the Lakers…”
It was a perplexing decision from Hardy. One would presume the head coach would get to half-court with three or four seconds remaining so that he can call a timeout just as his team brings the ball up the court.
But Hardy may have gotten late in that call, and cost his team the win, and gave them just two seconds to execute a game-winning shot.
The Jazz might have to consider their future, and perhaps even blow up the team. They are currently 4-16 and are the 14th seed in the Western Conference.
It was recently reported that the Jazz are looking to trade Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. Perhaps they should begin looking for trades and focus on building around Lauri Markkanen, whom they re-signed to a massive extension in the offseason.
For now, the Lakers will be happy with the win but will not be thrilled with how much of a fight the Jazz gave them. With a 12-8 record this season, the Lakers are the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Tonight’s game was yet another example of why the team needs improvements, and possibly some upgrades to the roster.
They will turn their attention to tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST, as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. The Timberwolves are 1-4 in their last five games, and the Lakers should try to capitalize on their form and get a big win against a tough team.
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