SALT LAKE CITY — The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold statement with their 138-122 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, marking their sixth win in the last seven games. Anthony Davis, who scored 37 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the game, emphasized that the team is beginning to carve out its identity as an up-tempo, aggressive squad on both ends of the court.
“We can’t be coming back from All-Star and [wonder], ‘All right, what type of team are we?’ This is what we have to be. This is who we are,” Davis stated, highlighting the Lakers’ commitment to maintaining their current playing style.
Despite the absence of LeBron James, who was resting a sore left ankle, the Lakers’ effort was buoyed by a career-high 36 points from Rui Hachimura. This recent surge has propelled the Lakers to a 30-26 record, the first time they have been four games above .500 since December.
Hachimura’s performance also drew praise from Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who emphasized the forward’s critical role in the team’s success. Hachimura, in turn, recognized the significance of his contributions and expressed his determination to be a difference-maker for the team.
The Lakers’ victory was a collective effort, with Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell contributing significantly to the win. Ham described the win as a “quality of life win,” setting a positive tone for the team as they prepare to make a playoff push in their remaining 26 games.
As the Lakers head into a weeklong break, the team’s newfound identity and impressive performances from key players have generated optimism for the remainder of the season.