Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers Preview
Lakers Look to Stay Undefeated in NBA Cup Play
The streaking Los Angeles Lakers (9-4) will play the Utah Jazz (3-10) tonight in their second NBA Cup game. Coming into tonight, Los Angeles has won five games in a row and looks to make it six against the struggling Jazz.
LET’S MAKE IT 6 IN A ROW 👀
The Lakers are 1.5 GB of the 1 seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/nHE9SdK3Kw
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 19, 2024
In what is a winnable game (last time I said that we lost to Detroit), the Lakers will need to focus on these three things to pull out the win.
Attacking the Glass
Despite Anthony Davis’ individual dominance to this point (11.2 RPG), the Lakers have not rebounded well as a team. Coming in 26th in RPG, you can point to the injury bug, but also towards effort.
The Jazz are currently 17th in RPG, and despite being without Walker Kessler tonight, it takes a village. Between Lauri Markkanen (6.4 RPG), John Collins (7.8 RPG), and rookie Kyle Filipowski (4.3 RPG), it won’t be easy. The main point of emphasis should be on keeping Utah’s high-energy guards off the glass as well.
Anthony Davis 3-pointers with Lakers:
2019-20: 72/218 (33.0%)
2020-21: 26/100 (26.0%)
2021-22: 13/70 (18.6%)
2022-23: 19/74 (25.7%)
2023-24: 29/107 (27.1%)2024-25: 12/28 (42.9%)‼️
AD IS A SHARPSHOOTER THIS SEASON 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ACE9UVrQUR
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) November 19, 2024
Lakers 3-Pt Barrage
In the past few games, we’ve seen very promising things in relation to the three-point line. Dalton Knecht has become very comfortable, and Anthony Davis’ shot is back in a big way. Even better than 2019-20.
The Lakers should look to continue their hot shooting from beyond the arc tonight. Utah is currently ranked 9th in opponent 3P% allowed and 4th in 3PA allowed. There is opportunity.
Shutting Down Utah’s Guards
Even though the Jazz find themselves lower in the standings, there is talent to be found on this roster, specifically in the guard room. I trust our depleted front court to handle Utah’s without Walker Kessler, but their guards present problems.
Every one of their guards has spark plug potential. Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and even Patty Mills will all punish you if left alone. It is imperative that they are not able to get a rhythm going. Otherwise, it may be a long night.
Continued Knecht Dominance
Thank whatever higher power you would like that the Pelicans deferred the pick they will get from us to next year. That is the reason we have been blessed with Dalton Knecht. After starting the season poorly, shooting the ball, it was only a matter of time until the talented scorer found his rhythm.
In his last three games, Dalton has averaged 20 PPG on 63% 3P and 100% from the FT line. The confidence that has been constantly poured into Knecht from JJ Redick seems to be paying dividends. Look for Knecht to continue to hunt his shot as he makes a push for ROTY.
