Lakers struggle in loss to Utah Jazz, 96-79

Utah Jazz 96 - Lakers 79 (end of regulation)

The good news for the Lakers -- they gained in the lottery chase to one of their direct competitors. The bad news -- Steve Nash couldn’t get through a full game (back) and the Lakers lost at home to the Utah Jazz, 96-79.

After pulling ahead in the first quarter by 15, the Lakers were out-scored by 22 in the second. While they closed the gap slightly in the third, Utah had little trouble putting the Lakers away at Staples Center on Tuesday night.

Alec Burks scored 24 off the bench to lead the Jazz. Gordon Hayward contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. The Jazz had a 25-13 free throw attempt advantage while out-rebounding the Lakers by 15 (55-40).

Chris Kaman notched a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds, but needed 24 shot attempts to get to 25. Wesley Johnson scored 15 and Shawne Williams, with 11, was the only other Laker in double figures.

Derrick Favors also managed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Enes Kanter had 11 rebounds off the bench.

Nash played just 16 1/2 minutes, skipping the second half because of discomfort in his leg and back, related to nerve root irritation. He finished with two points and two assists. The 40-year old guard also left early on Sunday when the Lakers lost to the Chicago Bulls.

Steve Blake struggled to hit shots, finishing with just five points on 2-11 shooting, although he did contribute eight assists. Kendall Marshall, who started the second half for Nash, scored seven on 3-13 shooting (with seven assists).

The Lakers (18-34) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-12) on Thursday night.

The Jazz (18-33) host the Philadelphia 76ers (15-38) on Wednesday. A win either way for the Lakers, who are “chasing” both Utah and Philadelphia for lottery position.

Jazz 68 - Lakers 60 (end of third quarter)

The Lakers trimmed Utah’s lead to eight after three quarters.

Steve Nash was unable to play in the third quarter after the chronic nerve issue in his back flared up. Kendall Marshall started the second half in his place.

Chris Kaman was the game’s leading scorer with a double-double, notching 19 points with 13 rebounds. Wesley Johnson scored 13 as the Lakers shot 40% from the field.

The Jazz were led by 15 from Gordon Hayward. Alec Burks scored 11 off the bench as Utah shot 41.5% from the field.

At a team, the Jazz took 18 free throws to the Lakers’ five. Utah also had a 41-30 rebounding advantage.

Jazz 48 - Lakers 37 (end of second quarter)

The Jazz dominated the Lakers in the second period, out-scoring the home team 32-10 to finish the half up 11.

Gordon Hayward led the Jazz with nine points, including a pair of free throws with 0.1 left in the second. Marvin Williams, Derrick Favors and Alec Burks scored seven apiece as the Utah shot 43.8% from the field.

The Lakers were led by Chris Kaman, notching a double-double in 19 minutes with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The team’s starting backcourt of Steve Nash and Steve Blake scored just five points combined on 2-of-8 shooting. Reserve guard Kendall Marshall didn’t score on three attempts.

The Lakers shot just 35.7% from the field, giving up what was once a 15-point lead.

Lakers 27 - Jazz 16 (end of first quarter)

After falling behind 7-0 to the Jazz, the Lakers responded, eventually building a 15-point lead after scoring 19 straight.

Chris Kaman and Shawne Williams led all both teams with eight apiece. The Lakers hit 80% of their attempts from three-point range (4-5) with just a single turnover.

The Jazz shot just 35% from the field, led by Marvin Williams with seven. Utah scored the final four points of the period to close the gap to 11.

Pregame

The Lakers (18-33) host the Utah Jazz (17-33) on Tuesday night.

Both teams are bound for the NBA draft lottery. The outcome at Staples Center could influence which team picks higher in the 2014 NBA draft.

Steve Nash is scheduled to start, alongside Chris Kaman and Shawne Williams – with Robert Sacre and Ryan Kelly moving to the bench.

The Lakers will be without Kobe Bryant (knee), Pau Gasol (groin), Nick Young (knee), Jodie Meeks (ankle), Jordan Farmar (hamstring) and Xavier Henry (knee).

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Philadelphia Jazz.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.