Jazz finish season with 22-60 record, await draft coin toss
Apr 12, 2026, 8:59 PM | Updated: 9:13 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz dropped their final game of the 2026-27 campaign, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers 131-107.
With the loss, the Jazz fell to 22-60, marking their fourth consecutive losing season, and only the second 60-loss season in the franchise’s history.
Oscar Tshiebwe led the Jazz with 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton led the Lakers with 22 each.
Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings finish with identical records
With both the Jazz and the Sacramento Kings losing on Sunday, each team enters the offseason with 22-60 records.
The teams are tied for the fourth-worst record in the NBA, ahead of only the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets.
Both teams took unpredictable paths to close the season after the two were separated by five full games on March 7.
Sacramento closed the year by winning eight of its final 18 games, while Utah lost 16 of its final 19.
With the tie, each team will have a 45.1 percent chance of landing a top-four pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Still a lot left to be decided in the top 10 https://t.co/FXkXbE02qc pic.twitter.com/isn9eXgOWE
— Tankathon.com (@tankathon) April 13, 2026
Later this week, the NBA will hold a coin toss to determine which team receives the higher pick if neither moves up in the lottery.
The result of the coin-toss carries added importance for the Jazz, who will learn whether it can enter lottery night knowing it can fall no lower than the No. 8 pick — ensuring it keeps the selection — or whether it will face a 0.6 percent chance of sliding to No. 9, which would convey to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The pick was originally protected in the top 10 in 2024 and 2025 before being protected through the top eight this season.
After posting a 70-176 record over the past three seasons, the Jazz appear positioned to avoid conveying the pick. The remaining obligation from the trade would be considered resolved this summer, regardless of lottery results.
The NBA Draft Lottery will be held Sunday, May 10.
Big questions await Jazz this summer
Beyond the lottery, the Jazz face several significant decisions as they look to return to the playoffs next season.
At the top of the list is Walker Kessler’s unresolved contract situation after the sides failed to reach an extension last summer.
Kessler underwent season-ending shoulder surgery just five games into the year, leaving him unable to raise his on-court value in Utah.
The third-year center previously expressed frustration over the lack of an extension, a situation compounded by the injury. The Jazz, however, have maintained that they intend to re-sign the 7-foot rim protector this offseason.
Kessler will be a restricted free agent, allowing Utah to match any offer sheet he signs. Negotiations may begin the day after the NBA Finals end, ahead of the July 1 start of free agency.
Which young players will return?
With Ace Bailey projected to play a significant role in the franchise’s future and another lottery pick expected to join the roster, Utah suddenly has an abundance of young talent.
Keyonte George’s breakout season makes his return highly likely, and he is eligible for an extension this summer.
Fellow 2023 first-round pick Brice Sensabaugh also has one year remaining on his rookie contract, but did not establish the same consistency as George.
Safe to say it’s been a strong close to the season for Brice Sensabaugh pic.twitter.com/JHI7tghIO5
— Eric Spyropoulos (@EricSpyroNBA) April 13, 2026
Sensabaugh has indicated that he wants to remain with the Jazz and would welcome an extension, though that decision rests with the front office.
Second-year wing Cody Williams made notable progress over the final three months of the season, but could begin next year outside Will Hardy’s regular rotation.
Kyle Filipowski delivered another solid season, making it likely the Jazz will exercise his $3 million team option this summer.
Could beloved veterans return?
The Jazz received unexpected production from Kevin Love and Jusuf Nurkic this season, both of whom will become unrestricted free agents in July.
Each expressed interest in staying in Utah before the trade deadline, but is set to test free agency.
Will Hardy talking Kevin Love: He’s been incredible for our group. Selfishly he’s been amazing for me. We’ve developed a very close relationship over this season. https://t.co/NohONCvVnB pic.twitter.com/41nNuzhRce
— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) April 13, 2026
Nurkic would provide a starting-caliber center off the bench and valuable insurance should Utah fail to reach an agreement with Kessler.
Love emerged as a respected locker-room presence and continued to provide steady minutes when called upon.
Hardy will hold his end-of-season media availability on Monday at 8 a.m. That interview, along with other end-of-season coverage, can be heard on 97.5 FM and 1280 AM the KSL Sports Zone, or streamed through the KSL Sports app.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
