NBA LIVE! Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz | December 18, 2025 NBA Regular Season LIVE
In today’s NBA sim, Luca Donuch and the Los Angeles Lakers go up against Lorie Markin and the Utah Jazz. Who comes out on top? The star power of the Lakers or the youth and speed of the Jazz? Watch the full video to find out. Baby baby. who you are as a team. I think you basically know already your identity, the pace you want to play at. Obviously, the development of the younger guys and your chemistry is always ongoing. And he’s not going to miss that sort of an opportunity from deep. Reeves outside. Pass to Hatchima. It’s rebounded by Mailoo. And here’s Utah. It’s a three-point game. Here’s Markin. And Markin throws it down. >> Well, you can’t forget that Markin is an accomplished dunker. >> So, it’s the Lakers now. They want to keep rolling here following the win against the Thunder. >> Yeah. And and in that game, you see how they built out this roster, acquiring role players who can step up when needed. >> Yeah. And they got contributions from everyone in that game. The whole rotation got involved in the scoring. >> Now, here’s Markin. Here’s last Downing. He had 24 points. Back to George. Picked by Markin. Second chance shot. to the wing on the left. Panic with a steel pass to Eightton. Yep, that one goes in there. Well, this is where you have to get Aon the ball. Between his footwork and post moves, he’s reliable down there. >> First quarter about a minute and a half in. And with an update from the sidelines, let’s check in with David Aldridge. >> Thanks, Kevin. Now, Will Hardy talked to me a little while ago. Undoubtedly, their defensive focus is trying to limit Luca Donuch. Coach told me, “Luca is a great player who impacts the game on so many levels. No one has been able to shut him down. You just need to play with physicality and make him work for everything.” We’ll see how they handle one of the toughest matchups in the NBA, guys. >> Okay, David. Thanks. Donic against George. Shoots from 12. Not going to go that time. The Lakers have gone two of three here to start out the game. Pass to Reeves. Now here’s Donic. He’s tightly guarded and oh boy, a lot of contact there, but he gets the call and will shoot two. >> What determination from Donage pushing his shot through despite some stiff defense to draw the foul. >> First trip to the free throw line for him in this one. >> He’s hit his free throws at a pretty good clip this year. 77% >> and it’s tied up with that one. >> Eyepopping talent from Don. We don’t see many players with his size and skill set. And the free throw is good now leading by one. And for the Jazz, the last few seasons, coach, have been a period of rebuilding. >> Yeah, it has, Kevin. You know, they acquired a lot of draft capital when they traded Goar and Mitchell, and they’ve since drafted a lot of young talent and still have plenty of picks to work with. >> And out of bounds as the Lakers gain possession. >> The defense will take that miscommunication. Not even close. >> And a little over two and a half minutes gone here in the first. There’s the triple. It’s rebounded by Mkyu. Utah’s gone one and two from long range in the first quarter and it goes down two points. >> And nice touch inside. George can finish from all three levels. >> Here’s Donic. His last outing with 20 points. Reeves outside. Pass to Eightton. Now here is Himura. Here’s Donic and he banks in the layup. >> Donic has got six. >> Once Donic gets inside with the ball, he’s halfway there. Then he just uses his strength to finish the job. >> And Will Hardy calls timeout here. He’s made the decision he wants to huddle up with his guys. >> Look who it is. >> And with this quick break in play, let’s take a look now and select from a group of point guards that have been killing it from three-point range over the last 10 games. Third is Luca Donic. You know, if there are no other options available, any of these guys can just step back and knock down a triple. Great backup plan for any point guard to have. >> And when you’re one can hit threes himself, makes the offense so tough to stop. >> Here’s Philippowski still without a basket. Mail passes to Philippowski. Here’s George. That’s basket number two with his third shot. Off to a fast two for three. >> Didn’t even really hurry up there. George stayed within himself and got it up quick. Pass to Eightton. Looking for Markin. He gets it there. Here’s Philippowski. He’s covered by George against Reeves. Here’s Philippowski. And they get some nice contributions from him on a nightly basis as he averages over 11 points a game. The Lakers trail and here’s Reeves outside and he’s good on the three ball. >> And the instincts there from Hakimura. Notice the overcommitment by the defense and then makes the right pass >> for Utah. They’ve gone 50% from the field to this point. Four of eight. Mail passes to Markin. And right away they match it with a three-pointer of their own. Markin’s got five points so far. Now Reed, he’s certainly been a consistent piece of their offense, averaging about 14 and 12 points a game. Here’s Donic. Count the bucket and he’s got a free throw coming up as well. >> And a chance to catch up on some numbers here. Scoring breakdown for the Lakers. >> Well, the way they’ve been attacking inside is phenomenal. Consistently getting high percentage looks and that’s what great offenses are all about. And another thing coach will be thrilled with the assist numbers spreading the wealth and creating some offensive opportunities. Donic no good on the free throw. Jazz have gone five and nine from the field here in the first. Pass to George. Whistle blows. Bucket is good. He’ll have a chance at the line to make it a three-point play. >> George scores in so many ways. That time he draws contact, but his focus doesn’t waver. >> You know, talking to Keonte George, he credits film watching for much of his success. Uh, I like that kind of element he brought up. >> Yeah. They say he also spends a lot of time talking to veterans on the team, seeks advice from them and coaches. He’s a real student of the game and that has helped speed up the process for him. >> Boy, a guy like that coach has got to be fun to coach. >> Yeah, those are the guys you’re looking for. >> And coach, you watch Markin and he’s a perfect fit for today’s NBA, isn’t he? >> Yeah, a big guy who can shoot the ball, Kevin. And look, he’s learned to put the ball on the floor, go to the basket. He’s a lot stronger than people give him credit for. This guy can really play the game. >> And so George will bring it up for the Utah Jams. They trail by one. The Lakers beat them last time when these two teams met in Los Angeles. >> Yeah, and their last time out against this club. Turnovers really get them in. Just way too many mistakes. >> Yeah, taking care of the ball has to be their number one priority. But they also have to stay aggressive. You have to strike a good balance. And here is Donic after the three-pointer from Lowry Markin. Here’s Collier taking a look at his stats. He’s averaging around 9 and a half points a game. Outside for George. Misses the three. >> LA has gone two of four from beyond the arc to start the game. The Lakers moving the ball around. >> Donic with it. George picks him up. Donic with the bucket. >> Oh man, a hot start for him. He’s hit five of his first set. >> And Will Hardy calls timeout here. He’s going to have a discussion here on the sideline. A chance now to take a look at some numbers for Austin Reed. In the last five games, you can see the trend upwards for effective field goal percentage and it shows you how confident he’s playing right now. Los Angeles on D. >> As to Filibowski now on the scoring column with that bucket, one for two this game. >> Good job of stepping up to the plate there, seizing back the momentum for his team. Yeah, plenty of lead changes in this game. It’s gone back and forth. >> All right, a chance to check out the stats for George. His last 10 games, he’s averaging 15 points a game, five assists, and three rebounds. To have a scorer like him consistently deliver you points makes such a big difference for a team. >> Yeah, he gives you something to build around night after night. Reliability is huge in this league. That free throw good from Donic. The Jazz making a switch here. Sensible ball is checked in and Los Angeles making a change here as well. Smarts checked in for Austin Reeds. good on both >> Utah with the ball. They come into this one following the loss to the Mavericks. >> Yeah, sometimes the matchups just aren’t in your favor. No matter what you do, it seems like your opponent does it better. Yeah, it wasn’t a close one. And sometimes that’s the kind of loss you’d rather have because it really gets the attention of your player. >> And a moment to look at the scoring approach in terms of where the points are coming from >> for the Jazz. >> Well, the thing about hitting early threes, it spaces the floor and makes things a lot easier offensively. And something else that I liked is how they attack the paint, finding ways to get inside and capitalize time and time again. >> The free throw drops for Collier. Lakers trailed by three. James looking around and they double up James. Vanderville gets a wideopen look and again the Lakers no good. Utah has gone three of five from three-point land so far in the ball game. Pass to Bailey on the wing. Markin. Rebounded by DeAndre Eaton. Lakers have gone seven of 12 from the field here in the first quarter. Now here’s James coming off a stellar performance against Oklahoma City. Here’s Kier. They set the pick outside. Markin it. No good on the triple. Lakers trail by three. Here’s Vanderbilt. Filiposski grabs the board. The Jazz shooting well right out of the gates here at around 50%. Pass to Cier. Here’s Bailey. Shot clock at six. Utah needs to get off a shot here from the arc and it’s Kier missing. And it’s Smart with the ball for the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s Vanderbilt. Gets that one to fall after missing his first two. One for three from the field. >> Well, this is part of why guys love playing with Smart. He will reward you for getting open if he can. >> Here’s Bailey. He has yet to score. pass to Markinan. >> Vanderbilt with the rebound. >> Well, despite his lack of efficiency, the team has put together a good offensive effort tonight. >> And it’s Loravia missing. Utah leading and here is Markinan bangs home the trifecta. Markin’s got 11 points. >> Yeah, from range Markinan has such an effortless stroke. Lakers have gone 8 to 15 from the field shooting above 50% here tonight. And JJ Reick calls timeout here. He’s ready to talk things through with the team. So, it’s both teams making substitutions here. >> Let’s use this break in the action to show you the teams that in the last 10 games have been the NBA’s best fast break teams. The Jazz number one. I mean, tough to maintain this kind of pace over an entire season, but let me tell you, they are really running right now. >> Reeves outside the 11-footer. Good and smart. Gets the assist. >> He has five. Well, when you have a scorer as skilled as he is, you do everything you can to get him the looks he needs. >> Here’s Sens Reeves with the rebound. >> Yeah, well, that’s a shot the defense is probably going to let him keep taking. Pass to James. Reeves outside. 137 left here in the first quarter. Just five to shoot. Here’s James. Can’t tie it up as that one’s no good. Utah’s gone four of eight on their three-point attempts. Doing a lot of work from way outside here in the first quarter. Here’s Sensible. Nothing on the board. Here’s Hrix. Covered by LeBron. Here’s Collier. Nails the wideopen jump shot. Now >> that’s a high percentage look when the D doesn’t fight over the screen. >> Yeah, it’s certainly worth it to disrupt the offense. Coaches notice that extra effort. Pass to Lavia. Reeves outside. There’s a screen that’s out of bounds. The Lakers able to retain possession here. Vanderbilt’s checked in for James. >> Number two, there’s 38 seconds left to play in the first. Reeves outside, six on the shot clock and good. And it takes a nice bounce off the right iron and down. Reeves has got seven. >> Yeah, that was the third straight high percentage look the defense has allowed. The defenders have got to start putting bodies on bodies. >> There’s 18 seconds left here in the opening quarter. Here’s Collier. He has five. >> One second left. Rey Markin and getting it done for the Utah Jams. He delivered nine points from three-point range that quarter. Terrific work from the Lakers with the ball trailing by two. We’ve got Ysef Nurek and it’s Hendrickx in at the four. That’s the group for Utah getting going here in the second. can’t tie it up as that one misses. >> Utah’s gotten fewer than half of their three-pointers to go down tonight. They’re four for nine. A moment now to hear from our sideline reporter, Hall of Famer David Alders. David, >> Kevin, thank you. The Utah Jazz last season became one of the first teams in the league to move their games to broadcast television. It’s a gamble, but they just about tripled their reach. And with the rapid growth in the region, they have a chance to attract new fans. Kevin, no doubt other NBA teams are keen to see how this goes. >> Oh, David, no question at all. We thank you for your report. Sends upon no good. >> The shots there for him and he’s got to take it. I I don’t care if he doesn’t convert. That’s a shot he has to continue to take. Greg, we know about the Euroep, but is the DEL the next move that’s getting more notice? >> I think it is, Kevin. And you can see players have quickly incorporated that into their arsenal. It’s been fun to watch, man. And I tell you, it creates some uncomfortable situations. Hits it from three-point range. Well, those go down for him in his sleep. And Reeves has got the ball here for LA. Outside Smart back to Reeves. It’s a nice passing here by Los Angeles. Vanderbilt and the dunk by Vanderbilt. >> Oh, and he he went for the two-hander on the slam using some muscle, some urgency from him there. Sure. And this is his first trip to the line tonight. Hatchima, he’s checked in for the Lakers. and the free throw. No good. Utah trailing here. Hrix passes to count. Now here’s Norkitch from outside off the mark. Smart deciding where to go with it. Pass to Hatchima. Crops in the layup for two. >> Hatchim’s got the lead up to four now for Los Angeles. And of the last six baskets, five have come on the interior. This is just smashmouth physical basketball, guys. >> Utah’s gone one or two on three-pointers here in the second quarter so far. and the Lakers making a change here. Arabia has checked in. Already a lot of talk about who’s going to take part in the three-point contest this season. And here’s a look at the players most likely to make it. >> And so many great shooters in the NBA these days and and these guys quite frankly the best of the best. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a scoring record broken in this year’s competition. >> Well, you look at Donic, there are a few players ahead of him in the voting, but if he holds on to his spot at number five on that list, he’ll have a place in the three-point contest waiting for him. >> And if anything, I bet he moves up the list. I mean, how could you not have this fella taking part in this contest? He’ll be there. >> And we’ll keep you posted as we find out more and as we get closer to the three-point contest once we have our final list of official contestants. >> Yeah, it’s going to be very competitive. That that’s the one thing we all know. We we got an incredible group of longd distance shooters in this league right now. >> Shot clock at five >> and the basket is good. And he’s got a chance here for one more at the line. And really, it’s been a major aspect of their offense in the early stages here, their success working the ball inside and getting points from close range. >> The Jazz have gone two for two in the game at the line >> and and 75% on the season as a unit from the free throw line. >> Vanderbilts checked in for the Lakers. And a little under two and a half minutes gone by here in the second quarter. outside. Smart pass to Vanderbilt. Up job Reeves, he had 13 points in the win against Oklahoma City. >> And it was an unselfish night for him as well. He got plenty of assists to go along with all those points. >> Here’s Mu. He’s defended by Reeves. Another miss by Utah. LA’s gone three of seven tonight from three-point territory. Smart passes to Reeves. That one falls through. It’s his sixth make from the floor this game now. Six for 10. >> Yeah, he’s in such a great rhythm right now. Makes sense to get him the ball any way you can. Yeah, when you have a guy playing like he has been recently, he’s got to be the first option on every possession. >> Pass to Zenzibar. Noric a screen on Himura to the paint. Taken away by Hayes. Four on three as they bring it up. A floater and Smart with the basket on the assist by Hatchima. Hatchim got his fourth assist with that last one here tonight. And Utah has possession. It’s a five-point game. >> Here’s Hendricks. Latray. Another shot. And Noric lays it in. Noric has got his first basket. And this is where Nerkage gets a lot of his points. Staying active even after the shot goes up. Reeves outside. They get it back. Vanderbilt setting the pick for Reeves. Three-pointer off the mark. Jazz trail by three. Hendricks passes to count. Here’s Mky. He’s defended by Reeds. Here’s Norkitch. It’s rebounded by Hayes. >> You You almost have to assume he’s going to knock those down when he is that open. >> To the right side. Here’s Hatchima played in with a nice touch off the glass. >> Hatchima’s got the lead up to five now for the Lakers. >> And the confidence Hachimura has in himself. knows he can score from this area when given the chance. >> Noric a screen on Himura. Sends a ball. No good. >> Lakers have gotten seven of their 12 field goal attempts to drop here in the second quarter. Up over 50%. Reeves the pass to Hatchima. It’s hauled in by Senzal. >> Wow. Missed opportunity from point blank range. You got to make those. Here’s Hatchima shooting foul. As the whistle blows, he’ll shoot two free throws. >> And for his size, Himura moves well. He can surprise a defender when he’s on the go like that. >> The Lakers have made four free throws from the line and missed two. And JJ Reick calls timeout here. And coach has decided they need a moment to talk things over. Leowski, he’s checked in for the Jazz. Lowry marketing comes in for Mckyoop. The Lakers also making some changes. James comes in for Vanderbilt and Donic is subbed in for Marcus Smart. And that one falls for Hachimura. Here we are Stan seeing more and more great international players in the NBA. And you’ve had a chance to coach some of the good ones as well. >> Well, yeah. Look, Kevin, you’re you’re right about the league now. We see every year it seems like the MVP is an international player. I had Turko who was a big part of what we did in Orlando was a most improved player in the league one year and a key part of our team that made it to the finals. 610 highly skilled, very versatile guy. There are great players coming from everywhere in the world. Pass to Cier. Another miss by Utah. Lakers leading by six. Hon passes to James. Back to Donic. And that one clearly a foul. Gets the whistle and two shots coming up. That one on Philippowski. >> And so confident even amongst the trees. Donics is fantastic at forcing the issue close to the rim. And the first one at the line is good. Both teams deciding to change it up. All free throws good from Donic. And here’s George. He’ll bring it up for Utah. Trailing here by eight. They set the pick outside. Marking it. Back to George. >> Name a type of shot. Kei George can hit it. More than capable of scoring at all three levels. >> Utah shooting their fourth and fifth shots at the foul line in the game. >> Take a break. Take a break. Two shots. That free throw good from George. >> And during his rookie year, Keonte George started about half of his games running the point most of the time. That experience will pay off for him. >> Connect. He’s checked in for Luca Donuch. He’s off on the second. Los Angeles leading by seven. And here’s James outside. Good. And Smart gets the assist. >> Smart’s got three assists now in this one. >> And you know, James isn’t thinking twice about that shot. Knows he has the green light. >> George with the ball. Eight points for him. >> Markin looking it over. Pocket six a baseline J. The Jazz with another miss for Los Angeles. They’ve gone eight of 14 in the second quarter on field goal attempts. James finds HIV. Back to LeBron. James Crowbars it in. >> And the total package. James is so much fun to watch. Jazz trail by 12 as a junior college product. Daltton connect Greg didn’t have a traditional path to the NBA. Yeah, Kevin spent two years at a JC, two more at a small division one program, then used his extra year of eligibility to transfer to Tennessee. And there he became a first team all-American and turned himself into a first round pick. Mai Luke’s checked in for the Jams. >> Here’s Bailey. Sinks the triple. Well, that’s a shot you don’t mind him taking. Gets a good look and trusts his shot to knock down the three. Pass to Hatchima. And here’s Hayes now. Connect. And they double up James. Just five on the clock. Los Angeles needs to get off a shot here for the three. Utah with the rebound. got his fourth rebound in this one. Here’s Bailey. George with the ball outside. Marking it. Pass to Bailey. And here’s George. Guarded by Smart. Good on that shot. And with that, the Los Angeles is cut down to just six points. And the bucket from George >> and developing that three ball shot. George is putting in the work now. >> Here’s Smart. He had 13 points in the win against Oklahoma City. >> And JJ Reick is called timeout. >> Looking for a breather and maybe just one or two things to talk about. >> Get ready everyone. You see yourself on the screen and you know what? >> And the Lakers making a change here. Koko’s checked in >> with this break in the action. Here’s a look at the teams that have blocked the most shots in the NBA this last month. The Jazz second. >> They have been racking up the blocks lately. I mean, if they keep this up, they’re going to be a very difficult matchup for anybody. LeBron outside setting the pick for James and a little luck that time, but it drops. James has got seven points here in the sporter. As if the league didn’t have enough to worry about with LeBron, he’s just become a better and better jump shooter. Bailey pass it to Mku. Down to five on the shot clock. Looking for Markin. He gets it there. Pass to Filipowski. Markin sets the pick for George over Smart. And it’s George missing. Lakers leading by eight. Now connect. He’s coming off a 10-point game against Oklahoma City. James right side pass to connect good and the assist goes to James and the Lakers lead by 11 >> and they’ve done a great job knocking down those long range shots here in the second shooting just over 40% from downtown >> here’s Bailey they look to him for part of their offensive attack right now averages nearly 12 points a game Jazz has passing it around and that one’s good. George George has got 13. Yeah, George has been just merciless on offense. He’s not holding back at all. Here’s LeBron and foul on the shot. So, he’ll get a chance at the line. That one on Filiposski. Stan, you’ve been on the bench in the NBA for many decades. What were some of your biggest pet peeves as a coach? >> Oh my gosh, Kevin, that would be a long list, but the two biggest would be this. I think number one, anytime there was a lack of effort, not running back on defense, things like that that I had a hard time tolerating. And then mental breakdowns, things we had prepared for over and over and over again and then guys just zone out and and forget what they’re supposed to do. Those were things that were hard to uh tolerate, >> especially when you would take such care in preparing them in every way. That’s got to be just excruciating, frustrating as heck. Pass to Bailey. Now here’s Markin. He’s defended by Reed. >> That one’s in there. The Lakers lead is cut down now to just nine on the basket from Markin. >> Well, he’s a major threat from the mid-range. Markin loves taking advantage from there. Reeves outside. Hatchima finds eight to the wing right side. Here’s Vincent. buries the 20-footer. >> Vincent’s got his first basket of the night. >> Of the two offenses here tonight, you can tell theirs is just a bit more in sync. >> Well, I think it’s because they’re calling sets that really match up well with their personnel. >> It’s stolen by Hatchima to the inside. It’s tipped. Right wing takes a three. Tries again. Rebound Utah. outside. George inside and the dunk to finish it off. A beauty. >> Oh boy. Oh boy. To be young again. >> Makes you nostalgic, doesn’t it? >> Lakers leading by nine. >> 5second differential between the shot clock and the game clock. Reeves. The pass to LeBron. Back to Reeves. James sets the screen for Reeves. James outside. Pass to Hatchima. Good. And the assist goes to LeBron. >> Hatchima’s got the lead up to 12 now for the Lakers. >> Another good play. This is how they built the lead. Calling on the right guys at the right time. >> Yeah, come on. They’re just having their way out there and continuing to press the advantage. >> And so it’s Los Angeles up by a dozen here at the end of the quarter. Their strategy has been clear tonight. Work the ball inside, get shots in the paint, and now they are scoring with ease. Back to the action in just a minute. You never know how long it will take. >> And let’s talk now about the game we’ve been watching. What a terrific first half for the Los Angeles Lakers. >> No sloppy passes, no easy giveaways, no big mistakes. They’re keeping it tight like kitty pants over there, Ernie. >> Hey, that’s tighter than tight. Yo, it’s called form finning. It’s called a euro cut. Thank you, gentlemen. And with a big gap on the scoreboard, the second half begins with very different goals for these teams. One side trying to mount a comeback, one side trying to protect their lead. So the Lakers five right now. In it forward for him, it’s James and Hachimura. Donic out there with Austin Reeds and it’s Eightton in at the five. Hatchima no good. And here’s George. He’ll bring it up for the Jazz. A 12-point game. Pass to Filipowski. Here’s Mu James defending. And that’ll be two free throws coming up. Officials on the call with the foul. Yeah, good job to take you right at the >> deal. First team, >> he’s getting his first free throw attempt of the night right now. First free throw is good. So he gets them both. >> Well, he’s been very good at the line and we all know free throws can make or break you in the end. Pass to Hatchima. James outside the three ball. Reeves left side. Here’s Hatton and he gets the basket. Officials blowing the whistle. So a chance at the line for one more. >> Yeah, they get one to fall now. One for four to start the third quarter. >> First trip to the free throw line for him tonight. >> One shot. And that one misses. >> Well, I appreciate how focused DeAndre Aton is on excelling at what he does best. His primary concern is being a force in the paint on both ends. Pass to George. Lets it go with a three. It’s rebounded by Donic. Lakers leading by 12. And here is Aton. And here’s James outside. James cooking from deep. >> Yeah, they’re relying on their three-point shooting and getting pretty good results. >> And Will Hardy is called timeout. This will give him a chance to discuss some potential alterations. That’s right. Here comes the t-shirt. >> And quickly, let’s look at the numbers for Luca Donuch. And he’s among the top 20 players in three-point field goal percentage. He has been locked and loaded from beyond. >> And as you said, one of the NBA’s most potent scorers, always up to the challenge. His top five ranking has him right there with the elite. Right around a minute and a half played here in the third quarter outside. Markin it back to George. Lets the free fly. Rebounded by DeAndre Eaton. Eightton’s got six rebounds now in the game. And it’s Donic missing. Jazz trail by 15. to the middle and stolen by Eaton. Donic with it. George picks him up and LeBron with the basket. The assist by Donic. LeBron’s got five points now in the quarter. Well, when you look at what he’s provided them on the offensive end, it’s been an important part of why they’re leading. >> Utah’s gone 0 of two from deep to start things here in the second half. Chaz passing it around >> outside. marking it. Pass to Bailey down low. Here’s George. A strong finish under heavy pressure all over. George has got 15. >> What a finish inside from George showing he can handle physical defense. >> Lakers leading by 15. >> Reeves outside. Here’s Donic. That’s the sixth make from the field. He’s taken nine shots and missed but three. Another bucket down low. They’ve been the aggressors taking the ball inside and attacking at the rim >> for Utah. They’ve gone one of three since starting the second half. >> Pass to Filipowski. Here’s Mky covered by LeBron. He doesn’t hit that one. Nice D from Donic. >> And that’s the battle they haven’t been winning today. Their work on the glass has been porous and that’s got to change. >> Reeves can’t hit and so George will bring it up for the Jams. Trailing by 17. Time now to turn to our sideline reporter David Aldridge. David. >> Kevin. Thanks. With the CBA and new broadcasting deals both completed, league talk now turns to expansion. Commissioner Adam Silver says, “If you’re a successful organization, I think it makes sense over time to continue to grow.” There’s no doubt that there are a lot of great cities we’re interested in having in the NBA. Kevin, >> you’re so right, David. We could lay out three, four, five cities right now that would beg to have professional basketball. The ball movement on this run has been fantastic and is a big part of why they’ve been able to get these good looks. >> Pass to Mail pulls it up. Another miss by Utah. >> I guess even he has to miss one of those once in a while. >> And the foul on Ruy Himurro. >> That’s foul number two for him. >> Yeah, way to get there first and be willing to absorb the contact. Jazz trail by 20. >> They could use a big shot here to get this offense going. >> Too many empty possessions right now. They need the basket. >> Here’s Bailey. >> Rebound. The Lakers. Hatchim got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight. It’s LeBron with the drive. >> Yo yo >> Reeves outside. Screen by James. Six to shoot into the lane >> and it’s hauled in by Lowry Markin. Markin’s got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight. Donic against George. Pass to Markin to end the cold streak. The rebound by the Lakers. >> Eightton’s got rebound number eight here tonight in the game. >> It’s a plus five advantage for them in rebounding after that one. >> 11 ft away and it’s hauled in by Lowry Markin. Here’s Bailey. The shots good on the assist by George. Bailey’s got his second basket of the night. Well, that is why George was a first round pick. He’s adept at moving the ball. >> Lakers leading by 17. And JJ Re is called timeout. He wants to make some adjustments to the game plan. Clearly Utah. >> Now we get a chance to check out the standings out west. Already we’re in December. A look at the Lakers. They’re still struggling trying to string something together. Getting a lot of wins. The competition though so tough. And checking out Utah five games behind. James kicks to Hatchima. Donic outside a screen on George and here’s Donic from the arc. Rebound Utah pass to Bailey. Now here’s George. >> Now Markin, he’s covered by Hatchima. Four on the shot clock. Filiposski passes to Markin. >> Off target with his three. And the great shooters know when they’ve got enough opening to go for the three. I didn’t think it was a bad choice on that possession. >> Good awareness on Eightton’s part, spotting the open teammate. >> Jazz trail by 19. And here’s George. He’s got 15. Puts it up from 15. And that one good. Mub’s got four this quarter. >> Well, you love the unselfishness. Makes the next pass and enables his team to capitalize on the possession. >> Donic kicks to Himura. Back to Donic. >> Aton sets the pick for Donic. Drills the three-pointer. Donic has got two now from beyond the arc in the third for the Lakers. outside. Markin George against Donic >> left side George >> Hatchima grabs the miss. >> Hatchima’s got his fifth rebound in this one. Yeah, I’m not sure if he’s going to be able to shoot his way out of this one or not. >> And now, a look at the upcoming schedule for the Utah Jazz. On Tuesday, they’ll tip it off. A road trip beginning in Oklahoma City where they’ll take on the Thunder. And then on Friday, they’ll be facing Drew Holiday and the Portland Trailblazers. >> And if I’m this team, I’m looking at this as a barometer to see how we stack up against some of the top teams in the league. They’ll have to be at their best, but if they come out of this with some success, I think it’ll build momentum for the rest of the run. >> And that one falls for Hachimura. The Lakers making a switch here. Laas checked in. >> Hatimura hits them both. Utah has gone into a slump here from three-point range, shooting just one of five here in the third. George with the bounce pass. Here’s Philippowski. The shots good on the assist by George. >> George has got his fourth assist with that last one here tonight. >> Pass to Aton. >> Nice ball movement here by the Lakers. Donic against George. Shot clock at six. >> Donic. No good. Jazz trail by 20 in the corner. George with it. Launches it. It’s hauled in by Los Angeles. Donic has got four rebounds now tonight. Releases from 15 out to the wing. Eightton wide open and it’s good off the back rim and in. Six points for DeAndre Aton. >> Well, there’s the skill of Eightton nailing the jump shot with confidence. Pass to Zenab out left to the wing. >> George with the ball. Here’s Sensible. sinks the three-pointer. Sens got six. >> And for the defense, that is a heart sinking moment when you see him that wide open from beyond the arc. >> And now a glance at the 2K leaderboard with a list of the NBA’s top assist men over the past 10 games. Fifth is Luca Donuch. >> And those games have seen him dropping more dimes than you might have thought possible. The Jazz have shot six or seven at the line. >> And the first one drops. The Jazz making a switch here. Hendricks is checked in. Hayes checked in for Los Angeles. Vanderbilt comes in for Hatchima. And good on the second. So he makes them both. >> Wow. They’ve made every free throw here in the second half. >> Inside. Here’s Vanderbilt. >> No good on that one. >> That’s not the type of opportunity he fails to convert very often. pass to Norkitch >> and he gets the whistle. Two free throws coming up. >> You know, it took Nerkage a while to kind of establish himself as a starting center in the NBA, but it didn’t take long to see it’s a role he deserves. That free throw missing. >> The next one. And the second free throw good. Here’s Donic. He’s got 25. Vanderbilt. A screen on George. And here’s Donic from the arc. Offensive rebound. Vanderbilt can’t cash in from close range. Jazz trail by 16. Here’s Sensib. The Jazz again can’t hit it. Lakers shooting it pretty well. Close to 50% to the paint. Here’s Donic. Nice pass. Led him to the rack perfectly for the layup. >> Donic has got 10 points here in the second half. The Jazz shooting 31% here in the third. Offensively, they are looking bleak. Pass to George. lets it go from deep. It’s rebounded by Hayes. >> Well, he certainly had trouble finding the mark this quarter. >> Here’s Larabia. Hasn’t made one yet. Reeves with it. Five on the clock. >> Shoots from the baseline to the left side wing. Second shot opportunity. Hayes no good. >> Well, you couldn’t ask for a better look. That’s one he’s got to knock down. George looking around to the middle, plays it up and banks it in. George has got four points now in the quarter. An efficient finisher inside. George makes the most of the close-range opportunity. There’s a minute left here in the third quarter. Reeves outside. >> Back to Donic. Utah with the rebound. Well, they’ve got some work to do to cut into this lead. And no need to get away from the game plan though. They’re plenty of time to get back in it. >> Screen by Noric. Here’s Sensib. Good. Nice job down low. >> Sens got eight. >> And that pick takes the D totally out of the equation. >> Yeah, you’ve got to lock and trail hard. You can’t allow him a clean look from that. >> It’s 9 seconds separating the shot clock and game clock. Now Reeves, he’s got 14. Here’s Larabia. No good off the front iron. Here’s the Jazz with the ball. They’re on a 12 to four run. Hrix passes to George and he drives in. Nice D from Donic. And as we end the third quarter, a double-digit deficit will make it tough to come back. Los Angeles on top. They lead by 14. And a moment now as we take a look at our State Farm assists of the game >> and the definition of teamwork right there, guys. I mean, what great communication between them and what a beautiful feed. >> Well, it’s one of the core parts of the game, reading the defense and creating an easy bucket for your teammate. That is pretty. And there may not be a lot of drama down the stretch as we head into the fourth quarter, but stringer things have happened. We’ve got Cure and it’s sensible ball in it. The small forward position. That’s the group right now for Utah. Here’s Collier. James defending Collier. That’s good. >> A little artistry in the painted area converting against the size. Yeah, he didn’t let the defense affect him there. He just kept his focus. >> Lakers leading by 12. LeBron James on the wing takes the 13-footer. The shot is good off the backboard. >> No question James has the green light from anywhere. That that mid-range is just another area where he’s dangerous. Pass to Hendris. There’s a good screen. Lets it go from the wing. Lakers with the rebound. Outside James. Count that as his seventh field goal in nine tries. He’s shooting 78%. >> And nice touch from the inside. I I’m a fan of when LeBron just burrows his way inside and takes advantage. Pass to Norcach. Here’s Collier. Back to Noric. >> Banked in off the glass. And with his skill, Nerkage can score from anywhere on the court. But when you’re 280, his skills probably better utilized inside. >> To the inside, here’s Hayes. And Hayes throws it down. >> That’s just a great pass. Excellent vision to see the open spot in the defense and lead him to the score. >> Jazz trail by 16. Second minute off the clock now in the fourth >> up top covered by Hayes over to the left wing pocket six buries it from three-point range and Brooks has got himself going there. His first points of the game on the deep ball. >> Lakers leading by 13. Outside Smart Pass to Hatchima >> and two free throws coming up. Unable to get that one to go with all the content. >> And when Kachora is looking to score, it sometimes forces the D to get aggressive. Love the energy. And guys, what do you think about the offensive approach so far that we’ve seen for the Lakers? >> Well, the mid-range has been open for them, so you’ve got to take what the defense gives. And that’s been a great attack in this situation. >> And you can’t ignore their passing all game long. They’ve done a great job of just delivering the ball in rhythm right where it needs to be. >> And that one falls for Hachimura. Kyle Anderson, he’s checked in for the Jazz. And Los Angeles making a change here as well. Vanderbilt’s checked in. Kachimura hits them both. >> Just over two and a half minutes played now here in the final quarter of regulation. Pass to Hendris. Here’s Sensible. James defending. Shots good by Sensible. Yeah, you have to give him a lot of credit here. He’s turned things around after a disappointing first half. Now here’s James inside and foul on the shot. He’ll shoot two at the free throw line. It’s going to be on Ysef >> Nerkich at the last two. >> Take a break. Take a break. Two shots. >> First one falls for George Nang. He’s checked in for Anderson. Vanderbilt hits them both. >> And one difference this have is that when they get to the line, they’re converting. Here’s Calier guarded by Smart. Here’s Hrix. Pass to Sensab down low. Just four to shoot. And he hits it and gets hacked on the play. A three-point possibility if he can convert the free throw. >> Showing great vision and delivering the pass out in front. And the Jazz making a change here. Markin’s checked in. Aton, he’s checked in for Los Angeles. >> And we’re about three and a half minutes into the fourth quarter. LeBron passes to Eightton. Basket is good. He’ll get a chance for one more at the line. >> Yeah, how about the toughness on that finish? Eighton refusing to be pushed around. >> Greg, we see the NBA finding players for certain actions or statements. >> Multiple offenders are always going to be under the microscope, Kevin. Sometimes they end up playing into those expectations. So those punishments can appear a bit skewed. >> And the free throw no good. >> And you just have to be enticed by the skill set of Aiden, a 7 foot1 behemoth who plays with a lot of physicality and skill on both ends. They have been board dominant in this game. That’s definitely been a factor in crafting this huge lead. Now flying high and throwing it down with the one hand. One of his favorite moves right there, guys. Here’s Kier Norkitch. to screen on Smart Pass to Markin. Fires the three. Good on the triple. >> The defense is far too slow to close out on those three-point attempts. >> And here’s James. He’ll bring it up for the Lakers. Now, here is Hetime Murray. Back to James. The floater. JAMES ABSORBING HITS ON THE DRIVE. >> A monster down low. LeBron James the rare package of skill, size, and athleticism. Norcatch a screen on Smart. Here’s Collier guarded by Smart. Five to shoot. Barkin in the screen on Smart. Here’s Collier. A three-pointer off the mark. Los Angeles leading by 15. And here is Hatchima. Pass to LeBron. Hatchima setting the pick for James. Offline with his three for Utah. They’ve gotten into a pretty good groove going six of 10 here in the final quarter. Here’s Cier, launches it from deep. Hatchima grabs the miss. Hatchima’s got rebound number seven for him tonight. Aimura with a screen on Markin. advantage. LeBron James with the three. James has got 23 points. >> That gives him his second three of the half with three total for the game. >> Here’s Kier outside marking it the 17-footer rebound. The Lakers’s got 10 rebounds here tonight. So active. Markin on the double team. He tries for three and it’s eightton missing. Jazz trail by 18 to the paint. Here’s Nkachic. Jazz passing it around. Coll. They get it back. Misses the layup. Los Angeles has gone one and three from outside the arc since we’ve reached the fourth quarter. The shots good from LeBron. >> Yeah. So tenacious on the attack. LeBron isn’t bothered by a little contact on that drive. >> Utah’s gone two of five on three-point shots since the end of the third quarter. Here’s Kier guarded by Smart. There’s the lob to mark it. >> Here’s Loravia. Pass to Hatchima. >> And here is Aton to the middle. Here’s Larabia. And down it goes. Dunk through off a wonderful assist. And once he gets clear off the screen, there is no stopping him. >> No, not when there’s a flush waiting to happen. Well, give credit to the screener there. That’s how you help free up your teammates. And taking care of the ball has been a problem for him. >> That’s something they’ve got to fix. While the defense has been good, a lot of these turnovers have been unforced. >> Outside marking it. >> The Jazz again can’t hit it. Lakers leading by 22. James with it. Puts it up from 15. Rebound by Noric. Norkitch has got 11 rebounds in the game to end the run. And he could not get that one to go. A lot of contact and he’ll go to the line for two. Well, Stan, I know you made the transition from college to the NBA as a coach and were successful, but how hard Is that transition for the players to go from college to the pros? >> It’s an incredible transition, Kevin. In college, let’s think about it. The very best teams may have may have two or three NBA caliber players. You know how many NBA players are on NBA teams? >> I do. >> 15 of them. >> I know it. >> And the pace of the game, everything happens faster. So all of your reads and decisions have to happen faster. That’s what I think takes the time more than the skills themselves. Austin Reeves has checked in for the Lakers. Luca Donuch comes in for Smart. >> He doesn’t get the second one. Los Angeles leading by 21. Banjage outside pass to LeBron over George. Utah with the rebound. Leapowski’s got nine rebounds in the game. Getting it done. George passes to Philippowski. Here’s Hrix. James covering on the wing. Markin clock at four. >> Here’s George. Takes it inside and it’s good with time running down on the shot clock. George has got 19 points. >> Yeah, how about the recognition by George. He saw that shot clock going down. >> The three for Dunic. >> Hendrickx pulls it in. Hendricks has got his fifth rebound right now in the game. Here’s George and the shot is long. >> Los Angeles has gotten just one of four three-pointers to go down for them here in the fourth. And here’s Duchic from the arc. It’s hauled in by George. And here’s George. He’ll bring it up for the Utah Jazz. And out of bounds as Los Angeles gains possession. >> Mail’s checked in for the Jazz. Number 10 mu. >> Los Angeles leading by 19 points. James the pass to Hatchima. Now here’s Donic. Puts up a three. It’s good from long range. >> Timeout. Timeout. >> Donic has got 30. And it’s so hard to take away the three from Donic. He needs very little space and if you press up on him, he’ll go right around you. >> And Will Hardy calls timeout here. He’s not taking any chances and wants to huddle him up right away. And now let’s take a look at the New Balance player of the game, Luca Donuch. And what an amazing ball game we’ve seen from him. It’s been a one-man show, worth the price of admission all by itself. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do on that court tonight. Found to come in here facing a hostile crowd and have a game like he’s had. That’s what separates the good players from the great players. Here’s George. >> Pass to Bailey. Back to George. I’ve heard some talk about this idea, Stan. What do you think about adding a oneon-one tournament to the All-Star weekend? Wow, Kevin, I love that idea. And if you could get the better players to play, I think there would be some serious interest in that from fans and some great competition among the players. >> And we see it every night in the NBA. That’s what we all crave for, right? We want to see the biggest names against each other. >> Yeah. Every night we want to see the best players one-on-one against the other great players in the league. >> Donic kicks to Eightton. >> No one near James as he lets it go. No good with the triple. Jazz trail by 20. Now George, there’s 138 left to play in the final quarter. There’s the three. A nice shot by Mky Luke. Mail’s got five points in the quarter >> and he found the perfect spot behind the arc there. Big gap in the D. >> And the Lakers call time here. >> 132 left in the fourth quarter. So Utah ends up going with the new group. wide side smart and Hayes throws it down. >> And tonight’s battle is going to end with a very clear winner, leaving nothing to chance. Impressive win for the Lakers. >> At every opportunity, they managed to push the ball and keep the uptempo game going. >> I think it paid off, that’s for sure. >> And they took charge when it counted and they’ll be notching their ninth win overall. And once the horn sounds, they’re going to go up two nothing in the season series. >> And one of the key components to this victory, if not the biggest, was the incredible performance for Luca Donuch. Yeah. And I loved his attitude tonight. He really had that scorer mentality. Absolutely no one was stopping. >> Six on the shot clock. Vanderbilt the pass to Smart. Launches from deep. Connect. No good. And so it’s Utah here with the ball. Pass to Kier. The trigger. 35 seconds left in the fourth. Here’s Love. An amazing finish with a hand right in his face. Now here’s Smart. >> Hayes with it. He’s guarded by Noric. Hayes dishes to Smith. Shoots over Collier and he gets that one to go off the front iron and the Lakers lead by 19. >> They just blocked out the noise, kept on grinding and this is their reward. >> It is always a special feeling winning on the road. The degree of difficulty adding to that sense of accomplishment. So, it’s Los Angeles winning this one easily. To come into an opponent’s building and dominate the way they did tonight says, I think Greg, an awful lot about this team. I >> I guess they don’t need home cooking to feel at home. I mean, Kevin, just a masterful performance all the way around.
NBA LIVE! Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz | December 18, 2025 NBA Regular Season LIVE
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