The Los Angeles Lakers were short-handed in their last game before the All-Star break, which they lost to the Utah Jazz. Starting center Jaxson Hayes left early due to a facial contusion, while guard Gabe Vincent and forward Dorian Finney-Smith,

Rookie guard Dalton Knecht is back on the Los Angeles Lakers after the trade that briefly sent him to the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded. After the team's loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, Knecht spoke to reporters for the first time since the whirlwind week started and said that the entire experience was a "crazy time" and "felt like a movie.

On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Utah Jazz (in Salt Lake City) by a score of 131-119. Luka Doncic finished his second game with the Lakers with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists,

The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be losing some steam after their blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, falling to the Charlotte Hornets 100-97 on Wednesday night. The Lakers have now dropped their last two games against two of the NBA’s worst teams in the Hornets and the Utah Jazz,

Fan-favorite guard Keon Ellis left Monday's game with an ankle injury, limping to the locker room after landing awkwardly while contesting a shot. Ellis would return from the locker room, planning on re-entering the game, but was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

In a season where the Hornets currently hold a 14-42 record, I think it's safe to say that they have officially hit rock bottom. Their last two games ended in historically bad losses. On Saturday night,

The Jazz got a defensive stop when Blazers forward Jerami Grant missed inside. But George missed on a drive, leading to Utah fouling Grant, who made both free throws. That put the Blazers up 111-106 with 13.7 seconds on the clock.

Markkanen has had a down season for the tanking Jazz after signing a five-year, $238 million contract this summer. The 27-year-old has averaged 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 42.5 percent shooting from the field and 34.7 percent from three. Utah is 9-34 in games he has played.

Despite earlier reports, the Hornets have not filed a protest with the NBA over the failed Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade.

My Trail Blazers vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for February 24 expect Portland to contribute plenty of points to the game total of 232. My analysis The Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz are both looking for rare winning streaks.