The Lakers aren't fully healthy either. Jake LaRavia sat out the Clippers game with a right ankle sprain, and JJ Redick said he hoped LaRavia would be back for either Utah or Tuesday's home game against Portland. Cameron Carr (right oblique) and Adou Thiero (left knee swelling) were also out Friday. The good news is Collin Sexton was cleared to make his debut against the Clippers after missing all of the preseason and the opener, so the guard rotation is deeper than it was a week ago.
Clippers125-117
Utah's first week has gone both ways. The Jazz got blown out 123-103 in Memphis. Then they built a 10-point halftime lead on the Pelicans in the home opener, gave up a 38-point 3rd quarter, and won only after rookie Darryn Peterson hit the go-ahead free throws with 50.5 seconds left and Dejounte Murray missed a 19-footer at the buzzer. Keyonte George had 19 points and 10 assists running the offense. The win also ended Utah's 8-game losing streak against New Orleans. The 3rd quarter is the stretch to watch: Utah just lost one by double digits, and the Lakers just won one by 13.
On paper the Lakers have the better roster, and they'll have Luka, Austin Reaves and a center playing with a lot of confidence. Utah has a young, scrappy team that's still figuring out its rotation without its veteran big, and a home crowd that just watched it win a close one. If Peterson keeps playing like he did late against New Orleans and George keeps the pace up, the Jazz can stay in this. If the Lakers get Kessler going early again, it probably won't be close.