The J-Notes
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Ranking the 3 remaining In-Season Tournament teams the Utah Jazz have to face during Group Play

By Chad Porto

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Eric Gordon #23 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot ahead of John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagJohn Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Eric Gordon #23 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot ahead of John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagJohn Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: Simone Fontecchio #16 of the Utah Jazz drives to basket between Troy Brown Jr. #7 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 128-117 Los Angeles Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: Simone Fontecchio #16 of the Utah Jazz drives to basket between Troy Brown Jr. #7 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 128-117 Los Angeles Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Of course, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers taking the top spot. They have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so they’re automatically the top dogs in the group. Now, neither man is a top player in the league anymore, with Davis being closer to the Top 10 or 20 than James, but both together make for a formidable duo.

At least compared to the Trail Blazers, Grizzlies, and Suns. The Lakers are just 5-5 and one of the most average teams in the league. They’re also one of the least intimidating three-point shooting teams in the NBA, with James and Davis shooting well under 38% from above the arc.

That said, they can still get inside and score, and they have a solid pick-and-roll game that the Jazz will have to counter. Arguably the most dangerous scorer on the team is Austin Reeves, who can shoot from anywhere on the court if given a chance. He’s not posting the most efficient figures to start the season but if he gets hot, he’ll be a problem for the Utah Jazz’s poor perimeter defense. And while the Lakers boast two future NBA Hall of Famers on their roster, while featuring a dynamic shooter like Reeves and an under-appreciated forward in Rui Hachimura, this is not a great team. Just the best in this group. That makes them very beatable.

Next. 3 young players that should be getting more minutes for the Utah Jazz. dark

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