Lakers vs. Jazz: Walker Kessler returns to Utah as unbeaten Lakers make first road trip

The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz met Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. It was the Lakers’ first road game of the 2026-27 season, and center Walker Kessler’s first game against his former team.

The game was still in progress when this was published, and the final result was not yet available. ESPN’s live box score had it tied 77-77 with 9:49 left in the third quarter.

Lakers vs. Jazz: how the game was going

Based on ESPN’s live box score at publication:

• First quarter: Utah came out hot and led 47-29 after 12 minutes.
• Second quarter: The Lakers answered by outscoring the Jazz 45-24 to take a 74-71 halftime lead.
• Early third quarter: The teams were tied 77-77.

Luka Dončić led all scorers early with 25 points, and Austin Reaves had 15 in the first half. For Utah, Lauri Markkanen had 16 points, Ace Bailey had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Keyonte George had nine assists.

These are mid-game numbers and will change. We are not reporting a winner until the game is final.

Walker Kessler’s return to Utah

Kessler started his career with the Jazz and joined the Lakers in an offseason sign-and-trade, according to the Jazz’s game preview on NBA.com. He started fast, averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds and four blocks on 84.6% shooting in the Lakers’ first two games.

“I’m so excited to compete against those guys. Coach Hardy does a great job with that franchise,” Kessler said before the game, according to The Sporting Tribune via Yahoo Sports. “I think it’s going to be a very competitive game.”

The Lakers’ new-look roster also includes former Jazz guard Collin Sexton, plus Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Kevon Looney, the Jazz preview noted.

What to watch in Lakers vs. Jazz

Records coming in: The Lakers were 2-0 under coach JJ Redick, with wins over Golden State and the Clippers. Utah was 1-1 after a 120-119 home win over New Orleans on Friday, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers won all four meetings between the teams last season.

Lakers turnovers: The Lakers committed 21 turnovers in Friday’s win over the Clippers. “So, we know the turnovers is a problem,” Redick said, according to The Sporting Tribune.

Points in the paint: The Lakers averaged 62 points in the paint over their first two games, with Kessler’s screens and rolls a big part of that.

Utah’s possession battle: With center Jusuf Nurkić out with a foot injury, the Jazz preview said Utah needed to protect the ball and crash the offensive glass to keep up.

Injury report

According to the teams’ injury reports cited in the Jazz preview:

• Lakers: Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee effusion) were out.
• Jazz: Jusuf Nurkić (right foot) was out, along with two-way players Trey Alexander and Harrison Ingram, who were on G League assignment.

Where to watch Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

The game tipped off at 3 p.m. MT (5 p.m. ET). In Utah, it aired on Jazz+, the team said. Check your local listings or the NBA app for options in your area.

Quick FAQ

Who won Lakers vs. Jazz? The game was still being played when this was published, so there was no final score yet.

Is this Walker Kessler’s first game against the Jazz? Yes. It’s his first meeting with Utah since joining the Lakers.

When do the Lakers and Jazz play again? ESPN lists two more meetings this season, both in Los Angeles.