Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Pregame Analysis

by Alma Bean Feature Image by Marielle Scott of Deseret News The Utah Jazz (26-28) takes on the Los Angeles Lakers (29-26) for their final meeting in Salt Lake City and of the season. What to Look For Though Los Angeles will be coming in with a two-gaming winning streak and win their last three…

Alma Bean

February 14, 2024

2–3 minutes

Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish, Collin Sexton, D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jason Preston, John Collins, Johnny Juzang, Lauri Markkanen, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis, Micah Potter, NBA, Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Marielle Scott of Deseret News

The Utah Jazz (26-28) takes on the Los Angeles Lakers (29-26) for their final meeting in Salt Lake City and of the season.

What to Look For

Though Los Angeles will be coming in with a two-gaming winning streak and win their last three road games, this will be the second night of a back-to-back for them. This means Utah might be receiving a gift from the NBA to be able to keep this game close since Los Angeles tends to rest their starters for a SEGABABA. Even without their marquee players, Los Angeles will have plenty of fire power on their roster. Guys such as Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell tend to have All-Star caliber games whenever they face Utah. The backcourt are averaging a combined 48.5/7.5/11.5 with combined shooting splits of 64.3/52.4/77.8. Free throw aside, this backcourt duo have the next man up mentality and it shows whenever they play Utah.

In their previous matchup, Lauri Markkanen put Utah on his back. Having a stat line of 29/9/5 with shooting splits of 50/50/90.9, Markkanen had himself a game. Along with Markkanen having an impressive game, Collin Sexton was the Robin to Markkanen’s Batman. Sexton had a stat line of 27/4/5 with shooting splits of 61.5/25/100.

Key of the Game

Rebounding. In their two matchups this season, Utah is only averaging one more rebound a game but it’s the offensive boards that will dictate this game. Los Angeles is averaging eight offensive rebounds a game against Utah this season while Utah is averaging 13 offenive rebounds against Los Angeles. This will be the time for John Collins and Walker Kessler to find a groove together on the court as they are first and third on Utah respectively in offensive boards.

Injury Report

Los Angeles – Max Christie (ankle) Out, Anthony Davis (hip) Questionable, Jalen Hood-Schifino (G League) Out, LeBron James (rest) Out, Maxwell Lewis (G League) Out, Cam Reddish (ankle) Out, Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) Out, Gabe Vincent (knee) Out

Utah – Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Jason Preston (G League) Out

Where to Watch

Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

Author

Written by

Alma Bean

I am currently a student at the University of Utah working toward my second bachelor’s degree, this time in communication with an emphasis in journalism. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. As I pursue a degree in communication, I dream to bring this emphasis of journalism to the world of sports. When I’m not writing, I allow my inner basketball fan to come out as I watch previous games and highlights across the NBA to become a walking, talking sports almanac.

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