LeBron scores 32, AD adds 21 in Lakers’ 95-86 win over Jazz

Anthony Davis had 21 points and seven rebounds during his home debut for Lakers, and LeBron James had 32 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in Los Angeles’ 95-86 victory over Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Troy Daniels hit four 3-pointers and scored 15 points for Lakers, who were impressive in unveiling ir revamped lineup. Along with offensive fireworks expected from a team boasting Davis and James, Los Angeles forced 23 turvers by a talented Utah team and won comfortably behind that gritty defense.

Dovan Mitchell scored 24 points for Jazz, who played without injured newcomer Bojan Bogdavic.

Davis had already played in a regular-season game at Staples Center in a Lakers uniform while getting wildly cheered — but that happened three days earlier during Lakers’ loss in Clippers’ home opener.

star center is still looking for his flow, but he blocked five shots and contributed steadily on offense, even scoring his first bucket on an alley-oop from James.

Jeff Green had five points while starting in place of Bogdavic, Utah’s $73 million free nt acquisition. Jazz beat Oklahoma City in ir opener, but didn’t have eugh offense to compete with new-look Lakers and ir solid defensive schemes.

Lakers never trailed after opening minutes, and y took firm control with a strong third quarter featuring 12 points from James and three 3-pointers from Daniels, proficient outside shooter acquired specifically to kck down spot-up 3s.

Danny Green also fills that role, and he scored nine points in his Lakers home debut. veteran also took microphone before game and told cheering fans: “I promise we’ll do better than last year.”

Dwight Howard heard a few boos when he checked in for his first home game back with Lakers, whom he spurned in free ncy in 2013 after one tumultuous season. He had been booed relentlessly for six years since — but in his return as Los Angeles’ backup center, Howard played a strong defensive game and earned cheers by second half with his obvious effort.

TIP-INS

Jazz: Bogdavic sat out after rolling his left ankle in Utah’s season opener Wednesday. He returned in second half of that win over Oklahoma City, scoring nine of his 16 points on a bad ankle. ... Joe Ingles started and scored just two points after Royce O’Neale started opener.

Lakers: G Rajon Rondo missed his second straight game with a sore right calf. He will return soon, and F Kyle Kuzma will be right behind him. Kuzma didn’t participate in training camp while recovering from a left ankle injury incurred during summer, but he is participating in 4-on-4 drills and or activities.

UP NEXT

Jazz: Host Sacramento Kings on Saturday.

Lakers: Host Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

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