Here is what you need to know before the Lakers head to Salt Lake City for a clash with the Utah Jazz.
1)
The Lakers are playing for the second straight night after falling in Portland Wednesday, 105-98. Despite the final result, Lou Williams was explosive for Los Angeles, dropping 31 points with six 3-pointers to help take the lead with five minutes left before the offense finally stalled.
2)
Williams has been the only bench player in the league this season to lead his team in scoring. The 2015 Sixth Man of the Year is putting up 18.2 points per game, which is almost four more than any other Laker.
3)
On Tuesday it was announced that both D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram will be competing for the USA Team at this year’s Rising Stars Challenge. Russell will join Jordan Farmar as the only Lakers to appear in the rookie/sophomore game twice, while Ingram will make his debut at All-Star Weekend after leading all rookies in minutes played (28.2).
4)
Utah will also have two representatives at the Rising Stars Challenge, as Dante Exum and Trey Lyles will face the Lakers’ duo for the World Team. However, both Jazzmen have struggled with their shots this season and are averaging 13.9 points combined.
5)
With a win in this game, Utah will sweep the Lakers for the first time in its 42-year franchise history. All three games this year have been close, as the Jazz have only won by an average of 5.0 points.
6)
Gordon Hayward was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career just 10 days ago. The six-year veteran averaged 23.7 points on 73.5 percent shooting in wins over Cleveland, Detroit and Orlando — but has shot just 37.3 percent over his last five contests.
7)
Hayward will be the Jazz's lone All-Star this year, but Rudy Gobert certainly made a case for the trip to New Orleans. Gobert has been a behemoth on both sides of the ball, leading the NBA in blocks (2.51) while ranking second in field goal percentage (66.4) and fifth in rebounds (12.6). The Frenchman is a huge boost whenever he takes the floor, as he leads the league in defensive rating (97.8) while ranking fourth in offensive rating (127.1).
8)
Utah recently returned George Hill, who has missed 24 games due to injury this year. The first-year Jazzman has been a key for his team, which is 10-0 when he scores at least 20 points.
9)
Despite scoring the league’s third-fewest points (99.4), Utah is currently slotted for the Western Conference’s fifth seed. This is thanks to the Jazz’s ironclad defense, which is holding opponents to the NBA’s fewest points (95.5), assists (17.9) and 3-pointers (8.1).
10)
On Monday, Jazz Owner Gail Miller announced that she had transferred ownership of the team into a legacy trust with the objective of keeping the team permanently in Utah. The Jazz have been in Salt Lake City for the last 37 years after originally forming in New Orleans.
Injury Report
Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (bone bruise, left knee) is probable. Julius Randle (viral infection) is questionable. D’Angelo Russell (mild MCL sprain, right knee; strained right calf) is out.
Jazz: Rodney Hood (right knee hyperextension/bone contusion) is questionable.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW