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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Takeaways from loss to Utah Jazz

By Ronald Agers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 27: Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 27: Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

JaVale McGee got set up with the same play and the same result 

The last time the Lakers were in Utah, the backcourt played weak defense that left JaVale vulnerable at the rim. He has enough issues trying to lean on one of the candidates for NBA Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA candidate, Rudy Gobert. But for the second time in as may trips, Donovan Mitchell caught him for a nasty slam dunk that rocked the building…

Let’s flash back and take a look at the first incident back in January.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1083939995667247104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1083939995667247104&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flakeshowlife.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D91699%26action%3Dedit

There are two angles of Josh Hart not playing strong enough to get through the pick. Donovan Mitchell who started gaining momentum from about 30 feet away takes off and dunks on McGee. Now if you remember, JaVale made comments about the issues with the defensive schemes. Then Luke Walton had his say then soon after JaVale was benched for a period of time.

Fast forward to this game…

Does this look familiar…

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1111110832962879494

Rajon Rondo plays about as much defense as I did doing this report and you, the Lakers fan reading it. Donovan Mitchell blows by Rondo and watch Lance Stephenson actually back up and Donvan Mitchell punches the rim again on JaVale’s head. To JaVale’s credit, he actually tried to move out the way this time.

Speaking of JaVale McGee’s contributions, he continued his strong play in the middle for the Lakers. McGee scored 16 points on only 7-for-15 shooting. Why do I say only? Coming into the game, JaVale was shooting a Wilt-like 82 percent from the field in the last three games.

With 13 rebounds (4 offensive) and 2 blocks, JaVale has shown that he needs to be on this squad next year. Maybe with a better defensive coach on the bench next year, he will be battling Gobert for defensive player of the year honors.

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