Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz: Game 43 preview, odds, live stream

The Los Angeles Lakers head back on the road for a quick trip to visit the Utah Jazz. Here is all the information you need to enjoy the game!

The Los Angeles Lakers look to be gaining their footing without LeBron James in the lineup. James has not played since Christmas Day because of a groin strain, and things started off roughly for the young Lakers.

Add in the injury to Rajon Rondo also suffered on Christmas, and Kyle Kuzma missing two games as well, and the team was shorthanded. While James will miss at least three more games, Kuzma returned to the lineup and helped spark the team.

Los Angeles is now riding a modest two-game winning streak, pushing their record to 23-19. They will look to keep that streak going tonight against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Utah was projected by some people prior to the season as a potential top-3 seed in the Western Conference. That has not yet come to fruition, but they have played much better basketball of late.

More from Lake Show Life

The Jazz have won three of their last four games heading into tonight’s contest. They are taking advantage of a soft spot in their schedule, as their last four wins have come against struggling Eastern Conference teams in the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic.

The Lakers have a losing record against those same four teams, going 2-3. They will have to be prepared for tonight’s game, as Utah has one of the best homecourt advantages in the NBA. However, like the Lakers, the Jazz are dealing with a number of injuries.

Utah’s backcourt has been hit hard, as Ricky Rubio and Dante Exum are both hurt. Backup Raul Neto is even sidelined. Outside of Rondo, the backcourt is an area the Lakers are healthy and productive, look for them to take advantage of the Jazz having to go deep in their backcourt depth.

All eyes will also be on Kyle Kuzma tonight. After scoring a career-high 41 points in a victory over the Pistons in the last game, you know he will be aiming to keep the production up.

Game Info

Date: January 11th, 2019

Start time: 10 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. PT

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Stadium: Vivint Smart Home Arena

TV Info: ESPN National, SPECSN local

Radio: 710 AM ESPN / 1330 AM ESPN DEPORTES, 97.5 FM | 1280 AM The Zone

Live Stream: Fubo TV

Betting Info

Oddsmakers are not expecting this to be a very competitive game. The Lakers have struggled without LeBron James, but they have remained competitive on most nights. However, they have had some struggles on the road, going 9-11 away from the Staples Center both overall and against the number. Utah is 9-8 at home with an even better 10-7 record against the number.

Spread: Lakers +7 up to +8.5

Moneyline: Lakers between +275 up to +305, Pistons -335 up to -400

Total: 215.5 up to 217