Lakers vs. Jazz Preview: First road game of the season

The undefeated Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) travel to Salt Lake City to play the Utah Jazz (1-1) on Sunday afternoon. The matchup marks the Lakers' first road game of the season following early victories against the Golden State Warriors and L.A. Clippers. A major storyline features Lakers center Walker Kessler facing his former team for the first time since being acquired from Utah in an offseason trade.

Injury updates indicate Lakers guard Jake LaRavia is cleared to play after missing time with an ankle sprain, while Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero remain sidelined. For the Jazz, center Jusuf Nurkic is ruled out due to a right second plantar plate tear. The writer highlights Utah's youthful roster—including Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, and Jaren Jackson Jr.—while noting defensive vulnerabilities the Lakers can exploit.