The first month of the Jazz basketball season has certainly been a rollercoaster, filled with dramatic highs and lows. With a record of 5-8, the team has experienced some significant blowouts alongside moments that showcase their potential. As they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers (10-4), the excitement builds, especially with the return of LeBron James, affectionately dubbed ‘The Little Emperor.’ For the Jazz, securing a win in Los Angeles would be a delightful upset, even if winning isn’t the primary focus for this young group.
The Jazz have a challenging game ahead, as the Lakers have dominated the last seven matchups at Crypto.com Arena, boasting a 6-1 record since 2022. The Lakers’ success, even amidst injuries to key players, is underscored by their ranking near the top in free throw attempts, putting the Jazz at a disadvantage given their struggles with personal fouls this season.
On the offensive end, the Jazz will likely continue to rely on their emerging star, 7-foot Klay Thompson, who has been phenomenal. With an average of 30.6 points per game and a shooting percentage of 41.2% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, Thompson’s performance has significantly improved due to better playmaking around him. Keyonte George, touted for his potential as the NBA’s Most Improved Player, has also stepped up, increasing his assists this season while still working on reducing turnovers. His performance against the Lakers’ average defense could be crucial for the Jazz.
The Lakers, currently positioned fourth in the Western Conference, are led by the incredible Luka Dončić, who scored 41 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game. He averages an impressive 34.4 points per game, helping fuel the Lakers’ offense, which ranks fifth in effective field goal percentage. This could pose a significant hurdle for a Jazz defense that currently ranks 24th in defensive rating.
In terms of player availability for the Jazz, Kyle Filipowski, Kyle Anderson, and Taylor Hendricks are all listed as questionable due to various injuries. In contrast, the Lakers report no significant injuries.
Fans can catch this exciting matchup on November 18th at 8:30 PM Mountain Time, with coverage on Jazz+ and KJZZ, or tune in on the radio at 97.5/1280 The Zone. As the Jazz continue to find their identity in this transition season, the game against the Lakers stands as an opportunity to surprise and build momentum in their ongoing campaign.