Final
Lakers resume trek in Utah
Feb 4, 2012 - 4:14 PM (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Lakers will resume a six-game road trip tonight against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena.The Lakers have won three in a row and four of five games since a season-high three-game slide and kicked off the trek with Friday's 93-89 triumph over the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Andrew Bynum had 22 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for LA, which improved to 3-7 away from home and sits just a half-game behind the upstart Clippers for first place in the Pacific.
Kobe Bryant added 20 points and nine assists, and shot just 7-of-23 from the floor, including a 1-of-4 performance from beyond the arc.
"I didn't shoot the ball particularly well but my teammates did. We are doing a great job of recognizing traps and double teams," Bryant said.
Pau Gasol provided 13 points and 17 boards in a winning effort. The Lakers will also visit the Sixers, Celtics, Knicks and Raptors on the trek.
Utah will try to stay dominant at home this evening and is 10-4 as the host in 2011-12. It is averaging 99.2 ppg at home and is shooting .464 in Salt Lake City this season.
The Jazz have lost two straight and four of six games, including Thursday's 119-101 setback at Golden State in which Gordon Hayward led Utah with 21 points. Josh Howard and Al Jefferson netted 19 points apiece in defeat and Paul Millsap contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds for Utah.
Utah starting point guard Devin Harris was a late scratch due to a left hamstring injury and backup point guard Earl Watson was also out due to a sprained left ankle. In his first start since November 30, 2009, Jamaal Tinsley scored nine points to go with 13 assists. Watson is expected to miss tonight's game, while Harris and guard Raja Bell (adductor) are questionable.
"I'm just staying ready and waiting for my number to be called," Tinsley said.
After Saturday's game the Jazz will play two straight and five of six games away from home.
Utah has lost the first two of four meetings with the Lakers this season and the two teams will meet again March 18 at Staples Center. Los Angeles has won 11 of the past 15 matchups with the Jazz and three of four as the visitor.
- LOS ANGELES: 87
UTAH: 96
Final
Feb 4 11:22 PM - LOS ANGELES: 67
UTAH: 67
End of 3rd
Feb 4 10:49 PM - LOS ANGELES: 49
UTAH: 47
Halftime
Feb 4 10:05 PM - LOS ANGELES: 25
UTAH: 22
End of 1st
Feb 4 9:36 PM - LOS ANGELES: 0
UTAH: 0
1st Quarter - 12:00
Feb 4 9:11 PM
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