LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 1 | 2024-25 NBA Season
A busy weekend of NBA action continues on Sunday, as the Utah Jazz host the LA Lakers at Delta Center. It’s a crucial game for two struggling teams, as the Jazz are on a three-game losing streak, while the Lakers have dropped four of their last five. That makes it a must-win for both to return to the win column as teams around them continue to heat up.
The Lakers (11-8) are coming in with something to prove after showing glimpses of promise but need consistency, as they have been alternating between wins and losses.
Under new coach JJ Redick, LA has dazzled in flashes but is yet to steady the ship to cement it as one of the best in the West. Leaders like LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the rising Dalton Knecht have strengthened the Lakers' spine, but a lack of creativity leaves holes in their game plan.
Meanwhile, the Jazz’s (4-15) season tells a different story, as they sit perilously close to the drop zone. They have won only one of their last eight games burt have the quality to beat a big team like the Lakers.
The Jazz's last two wins have came against big-name teams like the New York Knicks and reigning Western Conference champions Dallas Mavericks, meaning another scalp could be on the cards this weekend.
However, the Lakers haven't been a kind matchup for Utah recently, as the Jazz have only one win in their last six meetings.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 1
LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
The Lakers’ injury list deepens, as backup center Jaxson Hayes has re-aggravated an ankle injury and will be sidelined for two to three weeks. Moreover, D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are on the injury report.
Reaves is listed as questionable due to a pelvic injury, while Russell is listed as doubtful due to illness.
Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) remain sidelined on the treatment table, while Bronny James is out with a left heel contusion. Anthony Davis is listed as probable with left plantar fasciitis, but his status will be determined closer to tip-off
Davis is most likely to suit up alongside LeBron James, Cam Reddish, Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura.
Utah Jazz Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
Meanwhile, Utah is enduring injuries to three players. Jordan Clarkson is out with a foot issue; Kyle Filipowski has been an absentee for a while with a foot injury, while Taylor Hendricks underwent surgery for a broken right leg and a dislocated ankle. All three will be big misses for the Jazz this weekend.
John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Keyonte George will likely start against the Lakers.