LeBron pushes Lakers past Jazz for 7th win in 8 games, 90-83

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, of France, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and he seized control of an ugly game with nine points in the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ seventh win in eight games, 90-83 over the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Brandon Ingram scored 24 points while the Lakers struggled in their first game back from an Eastern Conference road trip, committing 24 turnovers and managing just 10 assists all night.

Neither team took a commanding lead in the second half until James hit a layup and a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions with 3:15 to play. James then blocked a shot by Alec Burks in the final seconds as Los Angeles held on to snap its seven-game skid against Utah.

Donovan Mitchell scored four points before he bruised his ribs in the second quarter and didn’t return, depriving the Jazz of their top scorer.

Burks scored 17 points and Joe Ingles had 16 for the Jazz, who have lost three straight and five of six.

Neither team did much to distinguish itself early on the first game back from Thanksgiving. The Lakers held Utah under 30 percent shooting for most of the first half, but then blew an 11-point lead in the final 3 ½ minutes while committing 13 turnovers in the first half.

Ingram and Lonzo Ball were Los Angeles’ biggest contributors early, with both youngsters going hard to the hoop. James had only four points in 16 minutes at halftime, and he had only five assists on the first 21 field goals by the Lakers’ stagnant offense.

TIP-INS

Jazz: Mitchell was 2 of 9 and committed two turnovers before his injury. … Rudy Gobert had 13 points and seven rebounds.

Lakers: Josh Hart played 14 scoreless minutes despite a strained tendon in his left ankle. … After returning at 4 a.m. Thanksgiving morning from a trip to Florida and Cleveland, Los Angeles has begun a stretch with six of seven at Staples Center. … JaVale McGee had 12 points, and Ball added nine points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT

Jazz: At the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

Lakers: Host the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

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