The Utah Jazz (18 - 22) defeated the Los Angeles Lakers (9 - 33) 109 - 82 on Saturday. The Lakers injury problems suffered a few more setbacks before the game wrapped up, as Kobe Bryant (achilles) left midway through the game to nurse his nagging achilles and rookie Larry Nance Jr. left with knee soreness after just three minutes of playing time. The beat up Lakers squad is far from an excuse for their play halfway through the season and the offensive miscues only add to their troubled year. Developing the young talent combination of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell does not seem to be the number one priority with the Kobe Bryant retirement tour in full swing, and the wasted experience will take its toll. Los Angeles turned to Lou Williams to score in volume, but managed 20 points on 15 shots and fell short of what was needed for his team to keep the game within reach at any point. Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell joined Williams in scoring double figures. The Lakers will look to get their 10th when they host the Houston Rockets (21 - 20) on Sunday. Utah has been experiencing a fair share of injury troubles as well, with both Trevor Booker (concussion) and Derrick Favors (back), sidelined on Saturday. Favors missed his 13th consecutive game, and it is still unclear if their is another issue or if the Jazz are taking his return slowly. Rudy Gobert led the way with a monstrous performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 18 rebounds and blocking five shots in 30 minutes. Gordon Hayward contributed 14 points, five rebounds and five assists, while four additional Jazz players finished in double figures (Trey Lyles, Rodney Hood, Trey Burke and Joe Ingles) in a strong team effort. Utah shot 49 percent from the floor and kept the game out of reach from the Lakers from the 2nd quarter on. Utah continues to battle for the 8 - seed in the Western Conference, and will look to pick up another win when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (18 - 22) on Monday.
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