Jazz Provides Extra Motivation

If the Lakers have lately had trouble finding motivation, they should have no such problem tonight against the Utah Jazz.

Utah spoiled the Lakers’ celebration in their home opener Nov. 1, winning, 97-92, as the Lakers’ minds were still on the pregame ring ceremony and raising their NBA championship banner.

“I think they were a little insulted with us getting our rings right in their faces after they swept us [out of the playoffs] all those years,” guard Kobe Bryant said.

One critical difference will be the presence of forward Robert Horry. Horry, who missed the loss to the Jazz to attend his grandmother’s funeral, is coming off his biggest performance of the season. He scored nine of the Lakers’ 13 points in overtime Saturday to help fend off the Clippers, 116-114.

“That was a big key for us,” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said of not having Horry the first time around. “Obviously, he is a valuable player for us.”

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The Lakers have not played since Saturday, and Jackson said the rest has helped Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal has been playing with a sore shoulder, as well as ankle and Achilles’ injuries.

“He had a good sweat going,” Jackson said Tuesday. “He worked hard today. We’ve put in some things for him for [tonight’s] game.”

With the new year here, Harper said, it’s a good time for the team to refocus itself. The Lakers play only 12 games in January and only two on the road until beginning an eastern trip Jan. 28.

TONIGHT

vs. Utah, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 22-10, Jazz 20-11.

* Record vs. Jazz--0-1.

* Update--The Jazz has lost three consecutive games for the first time this season.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849.