Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz Preview: Jazz Looking to Improve Record and Standing Against Cellar-Dwelling Lakers
The seventh-seeded Utah Jazz are aiming to break their recent two-game losing streak, as they take on the bottom-seeded Los Angeles Lakers, next.
The third game between the Lakers and Jazz is slated to take place on March 28th at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
The first time the two teams met was on January 10th, with the Jazz snapping their seven-game losing streak on the road. With superstar Kobe Bryant on the sidelines due to a right Achilles strain, the Jazz emerged victorious with a final score of 86-74.
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Forward Gordon Hayward contributed the most for the Jazz, scoring 25 points, along with two rebounds and two assists, shooting 10 out of 21 from the field, through 32 minutes of playing time.
The second game happened six days later, this time with the Jazz hosting. This time around, Bryant was suited up and was sent to the court, but was only able to play for 14 minutes. For this game, it was center Rudy Gobert who made major contributions for the Jazz.
The 23-year old professional basketball player scored 18 points, and 18 rebounds, shooting 6 out of 8 from the field, through 30 minutes of playing time.
Jazz head coach Quin Snyder was simply satisfied with the performance of his player.
"Our players are getting used to playing with (Gobert). He's a unique player," Snyder said in an NBA.com report. "You have to play to his strengths."
"We've got to get used to Rudy and Rudy's got to continue to get used to just the tempo of the game and playing," he added.
Forward Trey Lyles also piled in significant numbers, scoring 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists, shooting 6 out of 10 from the field, through 30 minutes of playing time.
The Utah Jazz are currently bannering a record of 37-37, while the Los Angeles Lakers hold an abysmal 15-57 record.
