The Los Angeles Lakers look to build on their newfound road success as they travel to Salt Lake City to battle the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. The Lakers (14-9) have won their last three games, including two road games during that span after starting the season 1-7 on the road. They will face a Jazz team that could be thin at the guard position on Saturday night.
Starting point guard Devin Harris is a game-time decision after missing Thursday's game at Golden State with a strained left hamstring. Starting shooting guard Raja Bell has missed the last three contests with a strained right adductor muscle and is also a game-time decision Saturday night. Back-up point guard and former UCLA Bruin Earl Watson is doubtful with a sprained left ankle.
All three guards missed the last game for Utah (12-9), a 119-101 road loss to the Golden State Warriors, the second consecutive loss for the Jazz. Jamaal Tinsley filled in with 13 points and nine assists in 34 minutes on Thursday.
The thin guard rotation for Utah could bode well for Kobe Bryant, who needs 50 points to pass Shaquille O`Neal for fifth place on the NBA all-time scoring list. Bryant made just seven of 23 shots Friday night in Denver, and has shot 27.5% from the field in three games against the Nuggets this season. Bryant has averaged 33.0 points per game, shooting 45.8%, in two wins over the Jazz this season, including a 90-87 overtime triumph for the Lakers on January 11.
Saturday night's 6 p.m. PST game will be televised by KCAL. For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.