The Los Angeles Lakers stepped up their defensive intensity on Tuesday night, but still came up short against the Utah Jazz, falling 102-100. Despite the loss, head coach Luke Walton had a positive message to the team, rooted in the idea that it was because of their defensive improvements that they had a chance to win this game.
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The latest father-to-be Julius Randle finished with a career-high 25 points on 9-12 shooting, plus 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal. Rookie Brandon Ingram said Randle is the player that bring toughness to this Lakers squad.
Guard Lou Williams who finished with 22 points off the bench was also happy with the team’s performance, specifically their commitment to competing on the defensive end for four quarters.
D’Angelo Russell missed a potential game-winning tough three-pointer at the end of regulation that caused some conversation on what exactly the Lakers were trying to do on that final play. Post-game, Walton takes the blame for the play-call, which is all explained in the videos below.
Luke Walton
Brandon Ingram
Lou Williams
Larry Nance Jr.
