NBA-leading Utah outclasses Lakers in rematch

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  • Lakers center Andre Drummond reacts as he is fouled during the second quarter of Monday’s game against Utah at Staples Center. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond gestures shortly before tipoff during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, dives for the ball next to Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) dribbles past Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers injured players Anthony Davis, left, and LeBron James talk on the court during a timeout during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (23) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic scores past Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) dribbles while Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors, left, drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) goes up for a shot against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Members of the Lakers Girls dance team wear face masks as they perform during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz, Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, left, blocks a shot from Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (10) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) dibbles around a screen during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) passes over Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, right, becomes entangled with Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) scores past Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris (88) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as his shot is blocked by Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.

  • Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) reaches back for the ball then dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James stands during a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, left, is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz watches the ball as he falls with Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz scores on a layup in front of Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.

  • Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles makes a 3-point basket over Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Opening tip off between Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Socially distanced fans during the first quarter between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket around the screen set by Markieff Morris #88 as Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz defends during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz scores in front of Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz keeps the ball from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers as he drives to the basket during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz attempts a shot in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 and Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder yells out instructions against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz attempts a shot in front of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz tries to keep his dribble as he collides with Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz scores on a layup in front of Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz celebrates his three pointer with ut00# in front of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as his team trails the Utah Jazz during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a layup past Derrick Favors #15 and Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz during a 111-97 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) holds the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers fouls Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during a 111-97 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to Markieff Morris #88 during a 111-97 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • The Los Angeles Lakers huddle before an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, April 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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LOS ANGELES — A Saturday matinee was a scrappy, competitive affair, but as entertaining as that overtime game between these teams was, it was never reflective of either the Lakers or the Utah Jazz.

By Monday night, the Jazz, who have accumulated the best record in the NBA rounding the final corner of the regular season, were still without All-Star Donovan Mitchell but significantly closer to full strength – and they showed the Lakers that they’ll have to be healthy, too, if the two meet in a postseason series.

Utah’s 111-97 victory at Staples Center was a brutal exercise in every facet that has guided one of the NBA’s small-market franchises back atop the league standings: competent defense; diverse, precise offense; stable poise.

Meanwhile, the Lakers (35-23) crashed against the wall anchored by Rudy Gobert (14 points, 10 rebounds), the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who seems well on his way to winning the honor again. With the Frenchman back, as well as Mike Conley and Derrick Favors, the near-full might of the Jazz was more than enough to crush their undermanned hosts who remain without All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“We had a poor performance, particularly on the offensive end, but defensively, not really great, or good enough, either,” Coach Frank Vogel said. “Didn’t play as well tonight.”

With Gobert in the game, the Lakers’ offensive struggles were best personified by center Andre Drummond, who shot only 3 for 12 for eight points in the game. In the fourth quarter, as the double-digit margin yawned ahead of him, Drummond shouted after every missed basket or free throw. The combined struggles of L.A.’s bigs (Montrezl Harrell was just 1 for 4) helped create a 52-36 paint scoring advantage for the Jazz.

When asked how Gobert was altering his offense, Drummond was defensive himself.

“I missed shots. That’s really what it boils down to,” he said. “Obviously he’s a great player and he’s a great defensive player as well, too, and he’s able to alter people’s shots, including mine. His presence in the paint is always felt, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to take it to him each and every time.”

This time, the Lakers got it taken to them.

Utah was again paced by former Laker Jordan Clarkson, who poured in 22 points on the heels of his starring effort in the overtime game over the weekend. But this time, he had help: Six Jazz players scored at least 13 points.

Perhaps the most frustrating offensive thorn in Utah’s side was Joe Ingles, who shot a cool 8 for 11 from the field, including five 3-pointers. At one point, one of the handful of home fans shouted after a third-quarter 3-pointer from the Aussie sharpshooter: “RELAX, INGLES!”

But Utah has rarely stood down this season, churning toward what appears to be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. With the Lakers firmly in four- or five-seed territory, a playoff matchup is becoming increasingly possible between two of the teams favored to emerge from the West.

Once Davis returns, which is expected this week, the Lakers will have a floor-spacing big man who can draw Gobert to the perimeter, which is historically dangerous territory for him in the postseason. James would be a matchup problem for Utah’s undersized wings, and theoretically, the Lakers could defend the Jazz however they want.

Davis’ return should be key, teammate Kyle Kuzma said.

“Having him out there is going to be really good for us because I think how certain guys fall in line a little bit more as a whole,” he said. “We can all get back to a little bit of a role and play around him a little bit.”

But for now, those matchup postures remain only theory. In practice, the Jazz are currently the better team.

It was not a night when the Lakers lacked outside scoring. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope paced the team with five 3-pointers, leading to a 43 percent mark (12 for 28) for the team.

But against the wingspan of Gobert, it was inside where they struggled to score. The Lakers shot just 22 for 51 inside the arc. Talen Horton-Tucker had a season-high 24 points, though he benefitted from garbage-time minutes in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers started losing their footing in the second quarter when they scored just 19 points. Even when Gobert subbed out, they couldn’t gain ground against the units with Favors in the middle. Afterward, Vogel acknowledged that he might have otherwise used veteran center Marc Gasol, who was technically available but the Lakers were treating him as an emergency-only option because of hamstring tightness.

The Lakers wrapped up a three-game homestand 1-2. The team is 7-9 since James was injured on March 20. While the Lakers are eager to see what they look like whole, the games at hand are more important – for now.

“Honestly, I think for me personally I’m just worried about the guys that are playing right now,” Drummond said. “Obviously, yes, I’m looking forward to playing with those two guys and to come back healthy, but the only thing that I can control right now are the guys that step on the floor as of right now.”

“We had a poor performance, particularly on the offensive end.” Frank Vogel talks post-game with @LakersReporter and credits the Jazz on both ends of the floor in tonight’s 111-97 #Lakers loss. pic.twitter.com/bMyESZZMLf

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 20, 2021

“We can’t allow ourselves to start like that because it makes it difficult to come back.” @AndreDrummond with @LakersReporter on tonight’s #Lakers performance vs. the Utah Jazz. pic.twitter.com/nM2J3yi6Zb

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 20, 2021

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