It was LeBron James’ fourth game out of the season as he sat at the end of the Los Angeles Lakers bench with a sweatshirt over his head due to left ankle pa𝖎n that prevented him from playing against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

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It meant the faltering Lakers had to press forward against a rising Jazz team that was riding a four-game winning streak and had won eight of its last 10 games.

It also meant that D’Angelo Russell, the guy starting in James’ place, had a large hole to fill. Russell was benched ten games prior and was not included in the starting lineup that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had changed in an attempt to move his club in the right direction.

Russell got out to a quick start, scoring 12 points in the opening quarter on two of his four three-point attempts. With a three-pointer at the buzzer, he gave the Lakers their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading them 39–31.

Even though Russell finished with 39 points and eight assists, the Lakers still fell short against the Jazz, losing 132–125. Russell’s three-point percentage was six for eleven.

In spite of Anthony Davis recording his second career triple-double with 15 points, a career-high 11 assists, and 15 rebounds, the Lakers suffered their 12th defeat in their previous 17 games. Additionally, Davis blocked four shots.

With James out in Rui Hachimura, the Lakers received a body back to aid in their f𝖎ght. Due to an injured left calf, he had missed the previous five games. Hachimura didn’t wear a protective mask against the Jazz, suggesting that his nasal fracture repair treatment had sufficiently healed during his absence.

But after the half, Cam Reddish’s left knee pa𝖎n prevented him from playing in the second half, meaning the Lakers had lost another player. Max Christie took Reddish’s seat at the start.

Ham acknowledged that he monitors the standings even before the Lakers’ 19–21 collapse; the team is now ranked 11th in the Western Conference.

“Yeah, absolutely, you’re constantly mindful. You know, you’re always alert,” remarked Ham. However, if you’re not attending to your own affairs, it makes no difference. So becoming balanced and healthy is what comes first. Again, it appears like the minor injuries and players missing a few games here and there have really made things challenging. But we’re willing to take up the challenge of solving this puzzle.

However, it’s evident that you know who is popular where, from top to bottom, all around you. But once more, you must attend to your own affairs first and foremost.