The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to get back in the win column as they face the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. With a 17-33 record, the Jazz currently hold a 1/2 game lead on the Lakers in the race towards the bottom of the Western Conference and a high pick in the 2014 draft.
D’Antoni says Chris Kaman will start against Utah along with Nash, Blake, Williams and Johnson
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 11, 2014
After going through shooting drills and rehab on Monday, Steve Nash is expected to play, temporarily putting to rest any concerns of a lingering injury. Despite the positive news for Nash, injuries have continued to plague the Lakers and they will again be without their top three scorers– Pau Gasol, Jodie Meeks and Nick Young.
Kaman supporters get their wish. He’s starting tonight vs. Utah.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) February 11, 2014
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary from the rash of injuries is Chris Kaman, who will start on Tuesday following a 27-point, 10-rebound effort against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Kaman has averaged 21 minutes in the last four games after seven-straight DNP-CD.
LAL will make a change to the starting line up: Nash, Blake, Johnson, Williams and Kaman. (Kelly and Sacre go to the bench).
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 11, 2014
Kaman being placed in the starting lineup isn’t the only change Mike D’Antoni is rolling out on Tuesday. Shawne Williams, who recently signed a 10-day contract, is getting the nod in favor of Ryan Kelly.
Gordon Hayward leads the Jazz, averaging 16.3 points per game. In the two previous meetings between the teams, Hayward has scored 22 and 24 points, on 51.5% shooting from the field.
The Lakers are 1-1 against the Jazz this season, with their win coming at home on Jan. 3. After facing the Jazz on Tuesday, the Lakers will have only one game remaining — Oklahoma City on Thursday — before the All-Star break.
– Click here for a preview of tonight’s game
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