Lakers Escape With 108-106 Win Over Jazz
The Lakers pulled out a 108-106 win in Utah, and a road win is always a win, but this one was way closer than it needed to be. From the opening tip, the first quarter set the tone for the whole night.
There were 10 lead changes in the first twelve minutes alone, and even when the Lakers got to their spots and earned trips to the line, the Jazz had an answer almost every possession. It felt like every small run LA created got wiped out immediately.
THE LAKERS SURVIVE A SCARE IN UTAH 🚨
THAT’S 10 WINS OVER THE LAST 12 GAMES 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UPKlqN4FLu
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 24, 2025
Jazz Pace Tests Lakers Early
Utah plays fast, ranked 8th in pace, and you could feel it. They pushed, attacked, and punished every moment LA jogged back on defense.
And with how often the Lakers rely on whistle-bailouts to settle into rhythm, you can’t help but wonder what this offense will look like when the refs swallow the whistle in the playoffs. It’s a question that keeps getting louder: How good is this offense when things get physical and calls don’t go their way?
Lineup Questions Keep Growing
Another ongoing storyline returned tonight. Marcus Smart eventually has to take Rui’s spot at the 3, right? With the way this team plays positionless basketball, that shift feels inevitable.
This team keeps giving up 30-point quarters like it’s routine. Smart won’t magically stop that by himself, but he also doesn’t hurt. And for a team still a few pieces away from true championship form, the margin for error is getting thin.
Rotation Notes and Rebounding Concerns
Rotation-wise, something to note: Maxi Kleber played over Jarred Vanderbilt again, a trend that isn’t random at this point. The coaching staff is clearly prioritizing spacing over defense. And speaking of concerns, the Lakers still lack real vertical threats.
No offensive rebounders who punish defenses at the rim. Against younger, more athletic teams, those second-chance opportunities are going to add up as the season goes on.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers did come in well-rested with five full days off, which makes the shaky moments even more frustrating. And the Jazz took a hit when Deandre Ayton bumped knees and left with a knee contusion. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious for him.
But in the end, the scoreboard says what it says: Lakers 108, Jazz 106. LA now ties the Nuggets for the second seed in the West, even if this performance left plenty to clean up. A win is a win, but the issues aren’t going anywhere.
