How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Game preview, storylines
Oct 25, 2026, 11:34 AM
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy high fives Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) during an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The Jazz won 120-119. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz continue their homestand this afternoon as they welcome the Los Angeles Lakers into town for the third game of the season.
The Jazz bounced back after a season-opening loss in Memphis with a win in the home opener against the Pelicans on Friday. They’ll look to start their first win streak of the season today.
Find information on streaming and more below.
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Utah vs. Los Angeles Storylines
- Walker Kessler’s return to Utah
- After spending the first four years of his career in Salt Lake City, Kessler will play in the Delta Center as a visitor for the first time. In his first two games wearing the purple and gold, Kessler has averaged 24 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four blocks.
- Defensive improvements
- Albeit just two games, Utah ranks 19th in points allowed per game and 22nd in defensive rating. Both are considerably better than last season, but defense is probably the biggest reason that the Jazz fell in game one and only won by one point in game two. They will need to continue to make strides in order to make the postseason.
- The starting lineup
- Will Hardy started Jaxson Hayes in game one, but replaced him with Ace Bailey in the home opener. Will they stick with Ace in the first five or go back to the lineup with more size?
What I’m Looking For
- Defense on Walker
- In line with the third storyline, I’m curious how the Jazz fare against what might be the best center they’ve faced so far this season. Does Hardy bring Hayes back into the starting lineup? Outside of Kessler, LA’s two tallest starters are Ziaire Williams at 6-foot-9 and Luka Doncic at 6-foot-8, so the Jazz may win the frontcourt size battle regardless.
- Big nights from Keyonte George and/or Darryn Peterson
- Los Angeles’ front court of Kessler, Williams, and Matisse Thybulle is formidable, or at least passable, defensively. But both Doncic and Austin Reaves are subpar on that end of the court. It’s a tall task to ask a rookie to attack a weaker defender, but George should be able to get his at least. It will be in the Jazz’s interest to attack mismatches and those less adept on the defensive end.
- Continue crashing
- Despite defense and ball security concerns, the Jazz won the rebounding battle against New Orleans, and they won the game. It’s that simple, really. Brice Sensabaugh spoke on the team’s focus on crashing the glass at shootaround yesterday. The Lakers have outrebounded their opponents in each of the first two games of the season. Utah will have to be physical in the paint in order to come out with a second-straight win.
How To Watch, Stream, Listen To Utah Jazz Games
Utah Jazz fans can watch the team’s games next season for free over the air on KJZZ TV and can stream the games through a paid streaming-based platform on the team’s website. KJZZ is currently broadcast on channel 14.1.
The Smith Entertainment Group’s (SEG) streaming platform will also continue to carry games on both SEG+ and Jazz+ in 2026-27.
Listen To Utah Jazz Games
All Utah Jazz games will be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM). Occasionally, KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) will pick up Jazz games as well.
