UTAH — The Lakers stormed back in the fourth quarter to beat the Utah Jazz 143–135 on Thursday night without Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, behind a dominant 45-point triple-double from Luka Dončić to push Los Angeles to 19-7.
This is the 84th triple-double of Dončić’s career and his 10th 40-point triple-double, joining James Harden, Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to have that feat.
It also marks the first 40-point triple-double by a Laker since Magic Johnson, who did it back in 1981—also against the Jazz.
It was the most points the Lakers surrendered this season, but it was also the most points they’ve scored, outscoring the Jazz 41-29 in the fourth quarter.
The Jazz held the lead for the majority of the first three quarters behind Keyonte George, who poured in 34 points (eight assists). Then an early surge to start the fourth pushed the Lakers back to their first lead since 4-3 to open the game.
The Lakers only made seven 3s (on 25% shooting) throughout the first three quarters and then turned it around on six-of-11 shooting from deep in the fourth, one of which came from the Jazz’s center court logo from Dončić.
The Lakers had six players finish in double figures, five coming from the starting unit. LeBron James had 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds on the night.
Coach JJ Redick credited Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber and Jake LaRavia for changing the game for the team in the second half and being a big part of their fourth-quarter comeback.
“Those are the guys tha are going to make a difference, getting you extra possessions. Those guys were excellent,” Redick said.
The road win pushes the Lakers to 12-3 on the road this season with three wins over the last four games. They have the Clippers next up on Saturday at Intuit Dome for the first time this season, facing a Clippers team that has been disappointing at 6-21.