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[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers saw their six-game win streak come to an end Wednesday night, falling 131-119 to the Utah Jazz.
A sluggish performance halted their momentum heading into the All-Star break, marking Luka Doncic’s first loss in just his second game with the team.
Despite the setback, Doncic had high praise for head coach JJ Redick. According to *Spectrum SportsNet’s* Mike Trudell, Doncic called Redick a “great coach” and noted that, even in his first year, Redick carries himself like a seasoned veteran.
Redick, in turn, expressed excitement about the Lakers’ new-look roster with Doncic in the fold. He emphasized the importance of building chemistry and establishing an identity, particularly with the trio of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves posing a significant challenge for opposing defenses.
Doncic, who tallied 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his debut against Utah, continued to ease into his new role with 16 points in 23 minutes on Wednesday. Redick praised the star guard for his selfless play, calling it “agenda-free basketball” that prioritizes team success over personal accolades.
However, the Lakers faced obstacles beyond just adjusting to their revamped lineup. Already shorthanded, they struggled against Utah’s size, with Lauri Markkanen (32 points) and Walker Kessler (16 points, 8 rebounds) dominating the paint. The Jazz pulled away in the third quarter with a 16-2 run, leaving the Lakers unable to mount a comeback.
Despite the loss, the night featured a career-high nine points from Bronny James and a solid 10-point contribution from Dalton Knecht in his first game since the rescinded Mark Williams trade.
The Lakers, now focused on getting healthy and regrouping over the break, remain optimistic about their future with Doncic in the lineup. Redick stressed that the priority is ensuring the team gets back to full strength, believing that once they do, the new-look Lakers will be a serious threat.