Player Grades: Lakers vs. Jazz

Instead of Sunday being a tale of two halves, the Lakers’ win over the Jazz felt more like a tale of four quarters. Or, more specifically, one quarter vs. three quarters.

The first quarter is going to rank up there with one of the worst LA plays this season. The Jazz shot unsustainably well, as we would see, they also were just outworking the Lakers, too.

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They had a staggering 24-4 advantage in points in the paint. They had 16 second-chance points on six offensive rebounds. Everything they did seemed to work.

The benefit of having a superstar, though, is that they can paper over your shortcomings on any given night. And from the second quarter on, it was Luka Dončić’s world with Austin Reaves playing an overqualified Robin.

They still struggled rebounding. They still lost the battle in the paint. But they hit 11 more threes and six more free throws over the final three frames to overcome that.

The end result was a gritty win that leaves the team with much to work on, but they get to do it in higher spirits.

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So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

Matisse Thybulle

25 minutes, 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 4-8 FG, 3-7 3PT, +12

As uncertain as I remain about the long-term viability of starting both Thybulle and Williams, if they’re going to play and shoot like this, then it’s hard to also argue for going away from it. They offer the Lakers the chance to cross match on defense, which can also lead to confusion on the other end as well.

Grade: B+

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Ziaire Williams

30 minutes, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 fouls, 3-9 FG, 3-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, +11

There are still a few too many times when he goes to the rim without much of an idea of what to do and hopes his athleticism can bail him out. But he’s shooting the ball well and is an active defender. He really seems to have solidified his spot in this lineup.

Grade: B+

Walker Kessler

28 minutes, 2 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 4 fouls, 1 turnover, 1-2 FG, +2

After the game, he admitted that he let his…

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Publish date : 2026-10-26 04:07:00

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