FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs. Jazz – Game 58
With the Utah Jazz getting back most of their starters, the Los Angeles Lakers were no match for the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed on Monday night as they were blown out at home, 111-97.
The Lakers got off to a rough start, turning the basketball over while the Jazz was able to open up the game with an 8-0 run by knocking down a couple of threes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dennis Schroder were able to each hit a three of their own, but Utah was able to answer and build up a 17-9 advantage.
Los Angeles began to battle back as they could swing the ball around along the perimeter and open up good looks from distance, igniting a quick 9-0 run. However, Jordan Clarkson picked up where he left off from their first matchup with seven quick points, and the Lakers found themselves down 29-23 after the first.
Schroder was able to convert on a tough layup early in the second but landed on his back and appeared to be in some pain. However, he was able to stay in the game while Talen Horton-Tucker nailed back-to-back triples to briefly bring Los Angeles within three before Utah went on another run.
The Lakers fell behind by double digits as the Jazz continued to find success in the painted area, but luckily Caldwell-Pope was able to knock down another 3-pointer to end their drought. Kyle Kuzma was able to score a couple of baskets in the closing minutes, but L.A. walked into the half trailing 52-4
Kuzma opened up the third by scoring three consecutive baskets, but the Jazz continued to carve up the Lakers defense with their drives and kicks. Things continued to worsen as Los Angeles could not score on the other end and subsequently fell behind 69-50.
Horton-Tucker did his best to keep the Lakers’ hopes alive with his scoring, but the Jazz’s perfect 3-point shooting in the quarter prevented much hope for a run. Unable to make a dent, the Purple and Gold went into the final period down 85-65.
Andre Drummond struggled to get much going to begin the fourth as he had issues trying to score against Rudy Gobert, which was the case for most of the night.
It was a balanced scoring effort overall for Utah as all five of their starters and Clarkson were in double figures. Clarkson actually led the way with a team-high 22 points off the bench against his former team.
The Lakers got within 15 midway through the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they would get in the lopsided affair.
Horton-Tucker was the lone bright spot for the Lakers, finishing with a career-high 24 points off the bench.
Lakers News and Notes:
Kobe Bryant’s shoe deal with Nike officially came to an end on April 13, 2021. With negotiations between Bryant’s estate and the shoe company seemingly stalling out, there is plenty of speculation regarding what will come for both sides.
The deal came to a conclusion exactly five years to the day from Bryant’s 60-point performance in the finale of his Hall of Fame career. The partnership with Nike spans back to 2003 after his first deal with Adidas came to an end, making it one of the longest-running sneaker lines in basketball.
Although Bryant’s estate is free to pursue other potential deals with shoe companies, it remains to be seen if the two parties will be able to agree to a new contract. Regardless, this has not stopped Nike from acknowledging the impact he made during his time with the company.
Nike released a statement regarding the expiring deal and included praise for Kobe Bryant for his contributions through the years, via Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Statement from Nike: “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”
Bryant showcased 11 different models as part of his signature line during his playing career. Nike also released over 10 pairs of Kobe signature shoes since his passing, with more originally scheduled through 2021.
Among the latest shoes to release was the Nike Kobe 6 ‘Grinch,’ which became one of the most coveted sneakers in his line. Nike restocked the product on their SNKRS app on April 13 due to their homage to Bryant’s final NBA game with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reports have also resurfaced regarding Bryant’s plans to start a player-owned sneaker company called Mamba prior to his passing. Of course, it remains to be seen if a project of this magnitude is still in the works.
The Lakers travel Dallas to take on the Mavericks Thursay night. Tip-off is at 6:30 pm and the game can be seen on TNT and on Spectrum SportsNet.
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