Opinion
3 min read

Lakers Seek Redemption at Delta Center Against the Jazz

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face off against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of mixed performances. The Lakers' last game on Christmas Day against the Boston Celtics ended in a 115-126 loss, despite playing on their home court at Crypto.com Arena. This defeat left them with a record of 16 wins and 15 losses.


LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21:  Omer Yurtseven #77 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket during the game during the in Season Tournament on November 21, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

In that game, Los Angeles showed they could score consistently across all quarters but struggled defensively, allowing Boston to lead for over 45 minutes and build an 18-point lead at one point. The Lakers' field goal percentage was decent at 48 percent, but it was overshadowed by their opponents' more efficient shooting night. Moreover, turnovers were an issue for Los Angeles; they gave up possession 12 times which translated into only three points off turnovers compared to Boston's 19.


However, looking back just one day earlier on December 24th against Oklahoma City Thunder shows a different story where LAL emerged victorious with a score of 129-120. Their offensive efficiency was impressive with an assist-to-turnover ratio of over four and bench contributions totaling an outstanding 47 points. They led for most of the game thanks to shooting well from both inside and outside the arc – hitting half of their three-point attempts.


LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21:  LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game to reach 39,000 point milestone to during the in Season Tournament on November 21, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

The upcoming challenge against Utah will require Los Angeles to replicate this high level of offensive execution while tightening up defensively. The Jazz are known for their disciplined play and will capitalize on any lapses in concentration from LAL's squad.


For Lakers fans hoping for victory in Salt Lake City, there is reason for optimism given how well they have bounced back after losses this season. However, consistency remains key; if they can maintain focus throughout all four quarters as they did against OKC rather than letting games slip away like against Boston or Minnesota Timberwolves (where they lost by seven points), then there’s every chance that redemption is within reach.


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores a basket on layup against John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of an In-Season Tournament game at Crypto.com Arena on November 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The scheduled tip-off is set for February 15th at Delta Center in Salt Lake City at what would be equivalent to February 14th, 9:00 PM Eastern Time due to time zone differences. Fans unable to make it to Utah can catch all the action live on SportsNet LA channel number six hundred ninety-one or KJZZ network depending on their location.

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