Lakers vs Jazz Preview: Kobe Bryant Visits Utah a Final Time
Kobe Bryant will be in Utah one last time as the Lakers take on the Jazz on Monday night
The Los Angeles Lakers laid a dud on Sunday night against the Washington Wizards as, even though D’Angelo Russell toughed it out and took the floor, the Lakers as a whole came out flat and took the L for their trouble. They don’t have any time at all to dwell on it, though, as the team is now on the road for a matchup against the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday night.
This will be Kobe Bryant‘s last game in Utah, a place that he has a bit of history with. Not only is Utah where he was presented the MVP award back in 2008, but it’s also a place that you could say helped fuel him right at the start of his NBA career. Early in his rookie season, Kobe airballed two shots in Utah and was essentially made into a punch-line for the night because of it. If we know anything about Bryant, that’s something he’s not forgotten even after 20 seasons.
With that, the spotlight will surely be on Kobe in Salt Lake City, but the matchup with the Jazz as a whole is a bit intriguing. It’s no secret that the Jazz are the superior team as the Lakers are lottery-bound and the Jazz are trying to fight their way into the playoffs down the stretch. However, that doesn’t mean the team vs. team matchup isn’t intriguing.
For one, Julius Randle notched the first triple-double of his career this past weekend and is starting to realize his potential as a playmaker in addition to his ability as a rebounder and bully in the frontcourt. However, seeing how Randle handles himself against one of the most dangerous shot blockers and best defenders in the entire NBA in Rudy Gobert on Monday night will be highly intriguing. If he shows the willingness to facilitate once again after drawing in the defense, that would obviously be the ideal scenario for the Lakers.
Turning eyes to the backcourt, Russell and Jordan Clarkson have the talent to attack and succeed in virtually any matchup. However, seeing how they respond after the Lakers fell short on Sunday night against a defensive backcourt for Utah that has caused many teams problems will be interesting. Will they embrace the challenge or will they fold?
Even if the Jazz do have the obvious advantage here, this Monday night matchup is still one Lakers fans will keep an eye on with heavy interest. Whether it’s because of Kobe’s last game in Salt Lake City or just to keep watching the young guys progress, even an expected loss doesn’t have to be a dismal affair.
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
Date: Monday, March 28
Start Time: 6 p.m. PST
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Arena: Vivint Smart Home Arena
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Jazz -14
Moneyline: Jazz -2000, Lakers +1000
O/U: 190.5
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Brown (foot)—Out, Kobe Bryant (shoulder)—“Questionable”, Ryan Kelly (wrist)—Probable, Larry Nance Jr. (knee)—Out, D’Angelo Russell (ankle)—Probable, Nick Young (illness)—Out
Utah Jazz: Alec Burks (leg)—Out, Dante Exum (knee)—Out
Prediction
The Lakers are seriously outmatched in terms of quality of play and overall talent against the Jazz. However, it’s an intriguing matchup for LA as it’ll be interesting to see how Russell and Clarkson fare on the offensive end when they should be able to attack. Moreover, how Randle responds against the front line of Gobert and Favors will be intriguing. The Jazz should ultimately come out on top, but it could at least be fun to watch the young Lakers (and Kobe, of course) try to step to the challenge in Utah.