Facing the Rockets! James scores 18 points, Hachimura and Ayton both achieve double-doubles, Lakers dominate Jazz but remain fourth in the West.

On April 13, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season game, the Lakers hosted the Jazz. Aiming to secure the third spot in the Western Conference, the Lakers showed strong determination, establishing a 18-point lead by halftime. James and Rui Hachimura performed excellently. James did not play in the second half, but the Lakers, led by Bronny, continued to extend their lead. In the final quarter, the Lakers led by over 30 points, and the game entered garbage time. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Jazz 131-107. However, the Nuggets beat the Spurs in another game, preventing the Lakers from overtaking them. The Lakers finished fourth in the West and will face the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

Statistics:

Jazz: Williams 14 points, Senson 10 points, Hibwe 29 points 17 rebounds, Bailey 15 points, Mbeng 14 points 9 assists. Sensabaugh 15 points.

Lakers: James 18 points 4 rebounds 6 assists 3 steals, Hachimura 22 points 10 rebounds, Ayton 22 points 10 rebounds, Smart 5 points 10 assists, Bronny 11 points, Smith 12 points, Knecht 17 points.

Game Progress:

At the start of the first quarter, the Lakers, determined to compete for a top-three spot, were highly motivated. They opened with a 6-2 run and then a 7-2 run, gaining a 7-point lead. Although the Jazz scored consecutively to stabilize, the Lakers' offense persisted, delivering another 7-2 surge to widen the gap to double digits. James, eager to win, repeatedly attacked the Jazz basket, and the Lakers once extended the lead to 13 points. However, the Jazz mounted a fierce counterattack late in the quarter, reducing the deficit to single digits. On the final possession of the quarter, James drew a foul again and made both free throws. The first quarter ended with the Lakers leading the Jazz 32-22 by 10 points.

In the second quarter, James continued to lead the offense. The play was intense, and the difference remained around 10 points. Later in the quarter, the Lakers surged again, executing a 9-2 run to expand the lead to 16 points. Senson hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding. James and Hachimura scored 5 consecutive points near the end of the quarter to further widen the gap. At halftime, the Lakers led the Jazz 62-45 by 17 points. Notably, James and Hachimura both scored 18 points in the half.

In the third quarter, James and Kennard both sat out, making it Ayton's showcase period. The Lakers initially extended the lead to 19 points, but the Jazz responded with a 9-2 run to narrow the gap. Bronny hit a three-pointer to stabilize, and Lalauria added a layup. Afterwards, the game became tight again. Bronny hit another three-pointer, giving the Lakers a 20-point advantage. The third quarter ended with the Lakers leading the Jazz 95-74 by 20 points.

In the fourth quarter, the Lakers deployed their third-string lineup, while the Jazz kept most of their starters. Nevertheless, the Lakers continued to widen their lead. After Smith's mid-range shot, the Lakers led by as much as 26 points. By this point, the game's outcome was essentially decided. Knecht still hit a three-pointer, and the Lakers pushed the lead to 30 points. Finally, the game concluded with the Lakers defeating the Jazz 131-107.

Starting Lineups:

Jazz: Williams, Senson, Hibwe, Bailey, Mbeng.

Lakers: James, Smart, Hachimura, Ayton, Kennard.