The Lakers, who were without Pau Gasol, Jodie Meeks, Nick Young and Jordan Farmar, jumped out to a quick start in this one, using a 27-5 run to take an 11-point lead into the second quarter. The lead evaporated almost immediately, however, and at halftime, it was the Jazz who were up by 11.
Things then worsened when Steve Nash went down. It was first reported by Los Angeles media that Nash had nerve root irritation (per Mike Trudell of Lakers.com), but after the game, head coach Mike D'Antoni said it was just his hamstring acting up.
Utah out-rebounded LA 55-40 and held D'Antoni's ballclub to 38.8 percent shooting.
Chris Kaman led the Lakers with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Derrick Favors had a double-double for the Jazz, registering 11 points and 10 boards.
Free-falling Los Angeles has now fallen behind Utah in the Western Conference standings.
Key Player Grades
Steve Nash, Point Guard
Is there an athlete who deserves more sympathy than Steve Nash right now?
When Nash started out in this one, he actually looked all right.
But then, Nash hurt himself, and you know what? Based on Nash's injury history since coming to the Lakers, it felt like it was inevitable.
Nash checked out with two points and two assists while shooting 1-of-4 from the floor.
Obviously, it's not appropriate to give the veteran a grade.
Now, you have to really wonder whether it would just be best for Nash to hang 'em up. This is getting sad.
Grade: Incomplete
Chris Kaman, Ce...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
