Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview: The return of Walker Kessler

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 23: Jaren Jackson Jr. #20 and Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz box out during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Utah Jazz had one of the most eventful offseasons, with twists and turns including winning the lottery, drafting Darryn Peterson, and trading Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was one of the more surprising moves considering how often we heard the Jazz were going to re-sign him. Looking back, it makes you wonder how much of that was to create leverage for an eventual trade. Based on what we know now, it seemed pretty clear Kessler didn’t want to be in Utah long term.

At this point, it’s all spilled milk, and it’s time to see who comes out on top. This matchup is the Jazz’s first chance to face their former center since the trade, and there’s no doubt the atmosphere in the arena will be interesting. With Luka Doncic, it could get contentious. One thing is for sure, Doncic and Kessler look like they’ve found some good chemistry. Will that chemistry hold up against the Jazz? For both the Jazz and the Lakers, this might be both teams’ toughest matchup of the season so far. Utah lost badly to the Grizzlies and turned it around against the Pelicans. The Lakers have beaten the Warriors and the Clippers. It’s a good test for both teams to see just how good they both are.

It’s also a chance for Utah to solidify their rotation. Utah has had two starting lineups this season, and we’ll see if they change again. Ace Bailey had his first start in the home opener for the Jazz and showed the flashes that make him so interesting, especially his defense and athleticism. The question for Bailey is whether he can consistently shoot and score. Once that happens, it’s not likely Bailey leaves the starting lineup for a long time.

Utah can also gain an advantage by starting Jaren Jackson Jr. at center again, because it can pull Walker Kessler out of the paint. Utah’s five-out lineup has huge potential; they just need more chemistry and consistency. We’ll see if they can find more of that against a Laker team with a pretty clear identity around Luka Doncic.

Who: Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers

When: 3:00 MT – 10/25/26

Where: Delta Center – Salt Lake City, Utah

How to watch: KJZZ, Jazz+