John Collins, Lauri Markkanen Start Strong In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The first quarter was not a pretty one for the Utah Jazz in Crypto.com Arena against the LA Lakers on Monday.

However, the team’s veteran forwards, John Collins and Lauri Markkanen, were able to get off on the right foot with the NBA world watching.

that three ball is fallin’ early 🎯@MarkkanenLauri | @jcollins20_ pic.twitter.com/SACu9l2LG2

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 11, 2025

Collins and Markkanen combined for 16 of Utah’s first 25 points. They did so while shooting nearly 55 percent from the floor.

Unfortunately, with an energy boost brought by Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles debut, the Lakers could do no wrong in the opening quarter.

The starting lineup poured in 30 first-quarter points. The entire team basically shot the net off the rim at 63.6 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from deep.

Luka’s first PTS as a Laker: the stepback 3 🎯 https://t.co/Fw5eqHO3UA pic.twitter.com/iTQDX77exV

— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2025

Outside of the two Jazz forwards, the only other players to score in the first were Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and Micah Potter.

Clarkson had five points on 2/6 shooting. Both Geroeg and Potter had two points.

Jazz Take On Lakers In Doncic’s Debut, Final Road Game Before Break

The Utah Jazz will be the first team in the association to see Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform as the superstar makes his LA debut on Monday. With the game being broadcast on ESPN, Utah is coming to play with a near-spotless injury report.

Collin Sexton is still sidelined with an ankle injury and the teams’ trade deadline acquisition, KJ Martin, will not suit up against the Lakers.

This will be the third matchup between Utah and Los Angeles this season. The Lakers are 2-0 in the season series but both games have been close. LA took the first matchup at home by six points and won the second in Salt Lake by just one.

With that said, it is safe to say that the Lakers are bringing a whole new look to close out the season.

Jazz Gameday Reading

• Doncic Debut Pushes Jazz, Lakers To ESPN
• Undersized Jazz Struggle In 130-110 Loss To Clippers
• Grayson Allen Helps Suns Stun Jazz In Overtime Thriller
• Isaiah Collier Sets Utah Jazz History In First Half Against Suns
• Utah Jazz Trade Deadline: What Did Ainge, Zanik Accomplish?
• KJ Martin: Who Is Newest Utah Jazz Wing?
• Jalen Hood-Schifino Waived By Utah Jazz
• Warriors Shocked By Jazz On Eve Of Trade Deadline
• Utah Jazz Play Facilitator In Blockbuster Jimmy Butler Trade
• ESPN Dumps Jazz Vs. Suns Broadcast On Friday
• Jazz Fall To Pacers After Missed Markkanen Free Throws

Follow the Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Lakers is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Find sports.ksl.com coverage of the Jazz here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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