The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road on Thursday night as they travel to take on the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference matchup.
Los Angeles enters Thursday’s game with an 18-7 record after defeating the Phoenix Suns on the road on Sunday night.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
In Sunday’s victory over the Suns, Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers as he recorded 29 points and six assists while LeBron James added 26 points and four assists of his own.
Now Los Angeles will try to grab another victory on Thursday night in a tough road matchup against the Jazz.
On the other side, Utah enters Thursday’s contest with a 10-15 record after defeating the Dallas Mavericks at home in overtime on Monday night.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3), forward Lauri Markkanen (23), and forward Taylor Hendricks (0)Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Keyonte George led the way for the Jazz in Monday’s victory as he ended the game with 37 points, five rebounds and six assists while Lauri Markkanen recorded 33 points, 16 rebounds and five assists.
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While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Thursday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Lakers Injury Report, Will Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton Play?
For the Lakers, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15).Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Los Angeles has ruled out Reaves due to a left calf strain as he will miss his second consecutive contest and it is expected to sideline him for at least one week.
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With Reaves sidelined, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Nick Smtih Jr. could have increased roles, especially with Gabe Vincent being listed as questionable with low back soreness.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The Lakers have also ruled out Ayton due to left elbow soreness as he will miss his third game of the season.
With Ayton sidelined, Jaxson Hayes could draw a start in his place while Maxi Kleber, who is listed as probable with a lumbar muscle strain, could also have an increased role.
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Jazz Injury Report, Will Lauri Markkanen Play?
On the other side, the Jazz have three players listed on their injury report for Thursday, including Markkanen.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri MarkkanenRob Gray-Imagn Images
Utah has ruled out Markkanen due to right groin injury management as he will miss his second game of the season.
With Markkanen sidelined, Jusuf Nurkic, who is off the injury report, could have a larger role while Kyle Filipowski could start in his place alongside Nurkic in the frontcourt.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33)Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Jazz have also ruled out Walker Kessler and Georges Niang as they continue to be sidelined while recovering from injuries.
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Fans can catch Thursday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Jazz from Salt Lake City at 9:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
