The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t finish perfectly, but they still survived en route to their fourth straight win, beating the Utah Jazz 108-106. Luka Doncic was spectacular, LeBron James brought his undeniable presence, and Austin Reaves made a strong impact. For most of the night, the Lakers controlled the game.
They built a double-digit lead early in the fourth, thanks to Doncic’s ability to create shots and Reaves’ constant drives to the rim. However, as that lead dwindled, Los Angeles relied on its stars to secure the win. Even if they couldn’t kill them off early, the Lakers got the job done.
The performance wasn’t flawless, but it showed that the Lakers can win tough games even when they don’t execute perfectly. Let’s dive into the player grades for every player who made the court for the iconic franchise.
Luka Doncic: A+
Game Stats: 33 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 10-24 FG, 3-12 3PT, 10-12 FT, 40 MIN
Doncic was the best player on the court throughout the game. He put up 33 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists, controlling the game and helping the Lakers when their offense struggled. Even though his outside shot was off (3-for-12), he created good looks by attacking the basket and drawing fouls at the free-throw line, where he shot 10-for-12. His three steals sparked fast breaks, and Los Angeles was +5 during his 40 minutes in a game they won by only two points. Doncic’s clutchness in the final minutes, including a free throw that gave L.A. a two-point lead, secured his high grade.
Austin Reaves: A
Game Stats: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 7-17 FG, 1-8 3PT, 7-8 FT, 40 MIN
Reaves had an excellent performance from an impact level, scoring 22 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out four assists, and blocking a shot while playing a team-high 40 minutes. His ability to draw fouls (7-for-8 from the free-throw line) and attack closeouts was crucial on a night when the Lakers struggled from three-point range. Reaves’ rebounding was vital because he contributed beyond scoring or playmaking. His shooting from deep was off (1-for-8), but his overall contributions earned him a solid A.
LeBron James: A-
Game Stats: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 8-18 FG, 0-4 3PT, 1-2 FT, 34 MIN
LeBron didn’t have a standout scoring night, but his influence was clear. He scored 17 points, tallied eight assists, and pulled down six rebounds, contributing several key fast breaks that disrupted Utah’s defense. Although he missed all four of his three-point attempts, he made up for it by driving to the basket and running the half-court offense with precision. His smart decisions kept the Lakers steady through Utah’s scoring runs, and he effectively managed the game in his first road game of the season. His defense faltered late, which prevented him from achieving an A, but he was excellent overall.
Rui Hachimura: B+
Game Stats: 13 PTS, 6 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 4-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-4 FT, 29 MIN
Rui Hachimura provided the Lakers with much-needed scoring, contributing 13 points on efficient 4-for-8 shooting, including two threes, while grabbing six rebounds. He played well within the offense, avoided forcing shots, and delivered important scoring during the Lakers’ strong third quarter. Defensively, he was solid, not spectacular, as he held his own on switches and battled for rebounds. While it wasn’t an overwhelming performance, it was clean and reliable, deserving of a B+.
Jaxson Hayes: C+
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-1 FT, 18 MIN
In 18 minutes, Hayes brought energy, speed, and toughness, scoring five points on a perfect 2-for-2 shooting while adding four rebounds and a block. He was an effective vertical threat and showed good defensive movement, helping cover gaps when perimeter rotations broke down. However, a couple of missed boxouts hurt the Lakers late, preventing him from earning a higher grade.
Marcus Smart: C+
Game Stats: 6 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2-6 FG, 2-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, 17 MIN
Smart’s numbers (six points, zero rebounds, zero assists) don’t reflect the defensive value he contributed and his ability to space the floor. He hit two timely threes and played disruptive defense on the perimeter, finishing with a steal while forcing several late-clock shots from the Jazz. Although he didn’t handle much playmaking, he helped stabilize the second unit and applied pressure on Utah’s young guards.
Jake LaRavia: C+
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 1 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2-6 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, 13 MIN
LaRavia scored five points, recorded two assists, and hit a three-pointer in 13 minutes, bringing energy and spot shooting off the bench. He moved the ball effectively and made smart choices, but his defensive performance was lacking at times as he struggled to contain Utah’s wing players. His shooting was inconsistent (2-for-6), but he did enough to provide scoring and activity to be considered slightly above average.
Maxi Kleber: C
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 3 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, 14 MIN
Kleber played limited minutes and provided modestly, finishing with two points, three rebounds, and a steal. While he offered brief defense and some spacing, he also picked up four fouls in just 14 minutes, which restricted his time on the floor. His one made basket was helpful, but not enough to get a higher grade than a C.
Deandre Ayton: C-
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 3 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 13 MIN
Ayton saw only 13 minutes and struggled to find a rhythm or make his presence felt on either end. He scored just two points, grabbed three rebounds, and had little offensive impact outside of one shot made. Defensively, he was adequate at times but didn’t control the paint or deter drives as L.A. needed, especially during Utah’s second-half comeback. His brief appearance lacked impact, which resulted in a below-average grade.
Gabe Vincent: C-
Game Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, 20 MIN
Vincent was efficient in his limited attempts (1-for-1 from the field, 1-for-1 from three), but his overall impact was minimal with just three points, one rebound, and one steal in 20 minutes. His defense was inconsistent, sometimes active and at other times lagging behind his man, and he didn’t contribute much in terms of playmaking or controlling the pace for the bench.
