Luka Dončić Scores 52 Points as Lakers Rally to Beat Jazz

Luka Dončić scored 52 points on Sunday afternoon to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 comeback victory against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Dončić added 10 assists and eight rebounds while shooting eight 3-pointers. Austin Reaves contributed 29 points for the winners.

Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 28 points, while Keyonte George recorded 24 points and 10 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 20 points.

The victory marked the eighth win in the last nine games for Los Angeles against Utah. The Jazz squandered an 18-point advantage built during the first quarter.

Center Walker Kessler made his return to Salt Lake City after joining the Lakers in a July trade. He finished the game with two points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes of play.

Kessler spent his first four seasons with the Jazz before missing most of the previous year due to a shoulder injury. He signed a contract extension after arriving in Los Angeles.

Reflecting on the emotional return to his former arena, Kessler admitted that the atmosphere affected his performance on the court.

"I think going into the game I let my emotions get the best of me," said Walker Kessler, the Lakers center.

"But you have to learn in those moments and move on. I’m just glad we got the win tonight ... even though it wasn’t my best night I really appreciate my teammates."

Kessler added that his time in Utah remains meaningful to his professional development.

"Obviously, Utah was the first four years of my career," Kessler said.

"It’s a special place for me. Kind of jumpstarted my career, you know, a lot of good memories."

Dončić secured the outcome late in the fourth quarter by capping a 14-5 run with consecutive 3-pointers. Those baskets gave Los Angeles a 127-121 advantage with 1:42 remaining.