The Hornets knocked down a franchise record 24 three-pointers in a 133-126 win over the Hawks. Jalen Johnson had 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in that defeat. Luka Dončić had the game of the night, finishing with 45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and five steals in a win over the Utah Jazz.

The last time, the Utah Jazz were sacrificial lambs for LeBron James’ 23rd season debut. This time they’re planning a different outcome when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Doncic logs his fifth triple-double of the season, LeBron James has 28 points and 10 assists, and the Lakers use a big fourth quarter to rally for a 143-135 road win.

The NBA playoffs consist of 16 teams split evenly into two conferences, the Eastern and Western, from around the United States. These teams feature top basketball players from different states as well as international players.

The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on April 18. The 2025-26 regular season wraps up on April 12, giving teams a short break before the postseason tips off. The Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2021 to keep more teams competitive and reduce tanking, determines the final two playoff spots in each conference.

Preview the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA matchup with Utah, including live stream, TV channel, odds, and game information.

The Lakers will also be without starting guard Reaves (left calf strain) and starting center Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness) on Thursday night against the Jazz.

Watch Clippers vs. Lakers on Dec. 20 with TV channel, streaming options, and game info as LeBron James and LA face struggling rivals.

Defensive deficiencies have caused the Los Angeles Lakers some headaches in recent games ahead of Thursday's clash with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.