LeBron James leads Lakers to 131-107 win over Jazz in regular season finale

Lakers tune up for playoffs with victory, will face Rockets in first round

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:01am

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a basketball game in a cubist style, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in bright colors.A cubist interpretation of the Lakers' playoff-tuning victory over the Jazz, with the game's action deconstructed into an abstract geometric composition.Los Angeles Today

LeBron James scored 18 points in the first half to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz in their regular season finale. The Lakers, who finished fourth in the Western Conference, will face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Despite knowing they needed a win and a Denver loss to secure the third seed, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said the team focused on building chemistry and continuity with key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined by injuries.

Why it matters

The Lakers' win over the Jazz was an important tune-up for the playoffs, as they look to make a deep postseason run despite injuries to some of their top players. The game also marked the end of a difficult season for the Jazz, who have lost 60 games in consecutive years.

The details

LeBron James had 18 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in the first half to lead the Lakers. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each added 22 points and 10 assists for Los Angeles. James and Luke Kennard were held out of the second half as a precaution. The Jazz were led by Oscar Tshiebwe's 29 points and 17 rebounds, but they ended the season on an 11-game road losing streak.

  • The Lakers finished the regular season on a 3-game winning streak.
  • The Lakers will host the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs on Saturday.

The players

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, James led the Lakers with 18 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in the first half.

Rui Hachimura

The Lakers forward scored 22 points and had 10 assists in the win.

Deandre Ayton

The Lakers center also had 22 points and 10 assists in the victory.

Oscar Tshiebwe

The Jazz forward had 29 points and 17 rebounds in the loss.

JJ Redick

The Lakers head coach said the team focused on building chemistry and continuity despite knowing they needed a win and a Denver loss to secure the third seed.

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What they’re saying

“Instead, Redick stressed continuing to build chemistry and continuity with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) having sustained injuries that will almost certainly keep Los Angeles' top two scorers out for the start of the postseason.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will host the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Lakers' win over the Jazz was an important step in preparing for the playoffs, as they look to make a deep postseason run despite injuries to key players. Meanwhile, the Jazz's difficult season has continued, as they ended the year on an 11-game road losing streak.