While the Lakers scored a season high 140 points in the team’s blowout win against the Jazz on Tuesday, things weren’t so rosy early on.

Los Angeles trailed throughout the majority of the first half, and their defense was suspect. The Lakers allowed the Jazz to score 71 points during the first two quarters and Utah was shooting 40% from 3-point range.

In the second half, the Lakers tightened up defensivley and took control of the game. LeBron James, in his first game back, was engaged and barking out defensive coverages. Dendre Ayton was blocking shots and protecting the paint. Marcus Smart was coming off the bench, diving on the floor and doing all the dirty work to flip the momentum in LA’s favor.

After the win, head coach JJ Redick talked about demanding more from his team on the def

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