Lakers bounce back in defensive takeover against Jazz.
Following a forty-point loss to the Grizzlies, the attention surrounding the Lakers was highly critical all over the media. On the verge of a four-game losing streak, the Lakers emphasized their mindset on the defensive end ahead of tonight's game, with LeBron tweeting, "LakersNation I apologize, and I promise we'll be better!"
LeBron and the Lakers delivered on that promise, causing havoc consistently on the defensive end of the floor most of the night and keeping Utah under 100 points to beat the Jazz 101–95, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving their record back to .500 at 22–22.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel gave his thoughts on tonight's defensive energy, saying: "Very encouraged. It's been what's commanded of our guys."
On the last stint of a 10-day contract, Stanely Johnson's last chance to prove he deserves a guaranteed contract on this Lakers roster comes in the next couple of weeks, and he helped his chances in tonight's Laker win.
In 24 minutes off the bench, Johnson gave the Lakers a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor, scoring 15 points on 78% (7-for-9) shooting, adding five rebounds and a couple of blocks with the highest plus/minus of the night with +18.
LeBron praised Stanley Johnson's impact for the Lakers, saying: "People forget he was a top 10 pick in our league. We got a gem in him."
LeBron was the Lakers leading scorer in tonight's much-needed victory, finishing with 25 points on 4% (9-for-20) shooting overall, adding 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and a plus/minus of +11 in 37 minutes played.
Russell Westbrook was at the top of players who helped captivate tonight's win, giving the Lakers huge momentum swings with a ferocious dunk over 7-footer Rudy Gobert and a coast-to-coast and-1 to seal the win for LA as he finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds in his efforts.
LeBron spoke of Westbrook’s monstrous dunk and the reaction it gave, saying: "He wasn't going in for a lay-up, or going in for a floater or going for anything else except attacking the shot-blocker. That was electrifying. It was big-time. I've seen the replay over and over. It was a phenomenal play."
The Lakers' next matchup comes at home against 15–29Indiana Pacers, as they look to move one game above .500 before their six-game road trip.
