Lakers vs. Jazz: Game updates Jazz 42, Lakers 41 (halftime) Kobe Bryant's energy apparently is endless. He has endured the second part of a back-to-back situation just fine so far, helping the Lakers stay within a point of the Utah Jazz with a 20-point outburst in the first half. Bryant has made eight of 13 shots, including one that turned into a three-point play after he made a jumper and was fouled late in the second quarter. Pau Gasol has six points for the Lakers, who aren't getting much production elsewhere. Paul Millsap has 14 points for the Jazz, who look much improved since their 25-point drubbing by the Lakers on Dec. 27 at Staples Center. Lakers reserve point guard Steve Blake appeared to hurt a finger early in the second quarter on a turnover that resulted in a dunk for Utah's C.J. Miles, but Blake did not immediately leave the game. Lakers 26, Jazz 23 (end of first quarter) Kobe Bryant is trying to do it all again. One night after scoring a season-high 48 points, the Lakers shooting guard has come out firing, scoring 14 first-quarter points on five-for-eight shooting. None of his teammates has more than four points. The Lakers are still missing forwards Josh McRoberts (sore toe), Troy Murphy (upset stomach) and Jason Kapono (birth of twin daughters). Rookie guard Darius Morris made his NBA debut late in the quarter and logged his first assist with a pass to Metta World Peace that resulted in a dunk. Utah's Raja Bell earned a technical foul midway through the quarter for snapping at Bryant. Bryant made the ensuing free throw. Paul Millsap has eight points for the Jazz, who have won five consecutive games and are unbeaten this season on their home court. The Lakers are 0-3 on the road. Five things to watch in Lakers-Jazz game Shannon Brown appreciates time with the Lakers Luke Walton takes advantage of rare opportunity Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, looks to shoot over Utah guard Raja Bell during the first half of Wednesday's game. Credit: George Frey / EPA