While LeBron James was due to be re-evaluated on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers already knew they would play a ninth game without him as he was not joining the team for their road matchup with the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers entered the night 3-5 without James — and Rajon Rondo — but coming off back-to-back wins. The victories were in some part a result of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram responding to criticism from Lakers head coach Luke Walton with strong performances.
But with an opportunity to create more separation between themselves and the ninth-place Jazz, the Lakers fell behind early, trailed by as many as 23 points, and suffered a loss to an undermanned team.