Los Angeles looks to extend its unbeaten start to the 2026–27 NBA season, but injuries to Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero could test the team's depth as former Jazz center Walker Kessler returns to Salt Lake City.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their first road game of the 2026–27 NBA season, hoping to maintain their perfect start when they face the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

However, Los Angeles will enter the matchup without two players, according to the team's latest injury report.

Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero have both been ruled out, while center Walker Kessler has been cleared to play despite continuing to wear a protective splint on his left finger.

The matchup carries additional significance for Kessler, who will return to Utah for the first time since being traded to the Lakers during the offseason.

Los Angeles enters the contest with a 2-0 record after defeating the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in its opening two games.

Utah, meanwhile, stands at 1-1 after recovering from a disappointing season-opening loss to the Memphis Grizzlies with a narrow victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

With both teams looking to build early-season momentum, Sunday's meeting presents an important opportunity for the Lakers to demonstrate their strength away from home.

Lakers Aim to Remain Undefeated After Strong Start

The Lakers have opened the new season with consecutive victories, providing an encouraging start to their campaign.

Their first two wins came against familiar Western Conference opponents.

Los Angeles defeated the Golden State Warriors before following that performance with another victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both games were played at home, making Sunday's contest against Utah the Lakers' first opportunity to test themselves in a road environment this season.

Playing away from home introduces different challenges, including unfamiliar surroundings, travel demands and the energy of an opposing crowd.

For a team attempting to establish consistency early in the season, maintaining its momentum on the road will be an important objective.

A victory over the Jazz would improve the Lakers' record to 3-0 and extend their unbeaten start.

After Sunday's game, Los Angeles is scheduled to return home for a single contest on Tuesday.

The matchup against Utah is also the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Lakers Injury Report: Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero Ruled Out

The Lakers will be missing two players when they face the Jazz.

Although neither has appeared in a regular-season game this season, their continued absence limits the team's available depth.

Cameron Carr — Out With Right Oblique Strain

Rookie Cameron Carr has been ruled out because of a right oblique strain.

Carr, selected by Los Angeles in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, has yet to make his official NBA debut.

The injury has prevented him from participating in the team's opening games.

According to the injury report, Carr is considered day-to-day, suggesting that the team will continue evaluating his condition before determining when he can return.

An oblique strain affects muscles along the side of the abdomen that play an important role in rotation, balance and core stability.

Those movements are essential in basketball, particularly when shooting, defending, changing direction and absorbing contact.

The Lakers have not provided a specific return date in the supplied report.

For Carr, the immediate priority will be recovering sufficiently to begin his professional career without aggravating the injury.

Adou Thiero — Out With Left Knee Swelling

Forward Adou Thiero will also miss Sunday's matchup.

Thiero is dealing with left knee effusion and swelling, an issue that has kept him out of the Lakers' lineup to begin the season.

He has yet to make his 2026–27 debut.

During his rookie campaign last season, Thiero appeared in 25 games and averaged:

• 1.9 points per game

• 1.1 rebounds per game

• 0.4 assists per game

Although his playing time was limited, Thiero remains a developing player who could provide additional depth when healthy.

Like Carr, he is currently listed as day-to-day.

The Lakers have not announced a definitive timetable for his return.

Knee effusion refers to excess fluid accumulating within or around the knee joint and can be associated with irritation, inflammation or injury.

The report does not identify the underlying cause of Thiero's swelling.

His availability for future games will depend on how his knee responds to treatment and recovery.

Walker Kessler Cleared to Play Despite Finger Injury

While the Lakers will be without Carr and Thiero, they received encouraging news regarding Walker Kessler.

The center has been listed as available for Sunday's game, although he will continue wearing a splint on his left finger.

Kessler has already appeared in both of Los Angeles' games this season, indicating that the finger issue has not prevented him from contributing.

His availability is especially important because of his role in the Lakers' starting lineup.

Kessler provides size and a presence near the basket, qualities that can be valuable against an opponent with multiple frontcourt options.

The protective splint suggests that the team is continuing to take precautions while allowing him to compete.

The supplied injury report does not indicate that Kessler will face a minutes restriction.

Walker Kessler Returns to Utah After Offseason Trade

One of the most interesting storylines surrounding Sunday's game is Kessler's return to Utah.

The center spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Jazz before being traded to the Lakers during the offseason.

Now, he will face his former team as a member of Los Angeles.

The return could carry personal significance for a player who began his professional career in Utah and became familiar with the organization's system and environment.

Kessler's final season with the Jazz was shortened dramatically by injury.

According to the original report, he appeared in just five games last season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

The offseason trade subsequently brought him to Los Angeles, where he has immediately become part of the starting lineup.

Facing his former teammates presents a new challenge, particularly because Utah's players and coaching staff may be familiar with aspects of his game.

At the same time, Kessler's knowledge of his former team could help the Lakers prepare for the matchup.

His performance will be worth watching as Los Angeles attempts to secure its third consecutive victory.

Lakers Starting Lineup Has Remained Consistent

Through their first two games, the Lakers have used the same starting lineup.

The group consists of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.

That combination gives Los Angeles a mix of offensive creation, perimeter versatility and interior size.

Dončić and Reaves provide the Lakers with primary ball-handling and offensive playmaking options.

Kessler anchors the frontcourt, while Williams and Thybulle contribute to the team's perimeter rotation.

Keeping the starting group intact could help Los Angeles maintain continuity as it begins its road schedule.

The team's ability to develop chemistry early in the season may become increasingly important as opponents adjust to its personnel.

With Kessler available, the Lakers appear positioned to continue using the lineup that helped them win their first two games.

However, the official starting five for Sunday's contest had not been confirmed in the supplied report.

Lakers Bench Could Play an Important Role Against Utah

Although Carr and Thiero are unavailable, Los Angeles still has several rotation players capable of contributing.

The team's primary bench options through the opening two games have included Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.

Veteran center Kevon Looney has also received playing time.

Bench production could become important as the Lakers adjust to their first road game.

Grimes offers another option in the backcourt and on the perimeter.

Mamukelashvili provides frontcourt versatility, while Sexton gives Los Angeles an additional offensive option.

Looney adds experience and another interior presence when Kessler is resting.

The Lakers' ability to maintain their level of play when the starters leave the floor could influence the outcome.

With two players already ruled out, the coaching staff may need to rely on its established rotation to provide consistent contributions.

Utah Jazz Looking to Build Momentum After First Victory

The Jazz enter Sunday's matchup with a 1-1 record.

Their season began with a difficult loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, who defeated Utah decisively on opening night.

However, the Jazz responded in their next contest, earning a narrow victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in their home opener.

That result helped Utah avoid an 0-2 start and provided a positive response after its opening disappointment.

Sunday's matchup against Los Angeles will be the second game of a five-game homestand.

The extended stretch at home gives Utah an opportunity to establish a rhythm without the immediate demands of travel.

Facing an undefeated Lakers team will provide an early test of the Jazz's ability to compete against a Western Conference opponent that has started the season strongly.

For Utah, protecting its home court and building on the victory over New Orleans will be central objectives.

Jazz Injury Report: Jusuf Nurkić Remains Sidelined

Utah will also enter Sunday's game without several players.

The most significant injury absence involves veteran center Jusuf Nurkić.

Nurkić has been ruled out because of a tear involving the second plantar plate in his right foot.

According to the report, the Jazz announced on October 2 that he would miss at least four weeks.

The plantar plate is a ligamentous structure that helps stabilize the joints near the base of the toes.

An injury in that area can affect movements such as pushing off, running and changing direction.

The original report does not provide an updated return date.

Nurkić's absence reduces Utah's available frontcourt depth, potentially increasing the importance of its other big men against Los Angeles.

Trey Alexander and Harrison Ingram Also Unavailable

The Jazz have also ruled out Trey Alexander and Harrison Ingram, who are listed as unavailable while on G League two-way assignments.

Their absences further limit Utah's available roster options for Sunday's matchup.

Unlike Nurkić, neither player is listed as out because of an injury in the supplied report.

Utah's Starting Five Features Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Jazz have used a consistent starting lineup through their first two games.

That group includes Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey.

Markkanen provides an important offensive presence and size on the perimeter and in the frontcourt.

Jackson brings defensive versatility and an ability to influence possessions near the basket.

George adds backcourt playmaking, while Peterson and Bailey are part of Utah's starting rotation.

The combination presents the Lakers with several different challenges.

Utah has size and versatility in its frontcourt, which could create interesting matchups involving Kessler and the Lakers' other interior players.

The Jazz will also look to create offensive opportunities through their guards and wings.

For Los Angeles, containing Utah's scoring options without allowing easy baskets near the rim will be an important part of the game plan.

Jazz Bench Provides Additional Depth

Despite Nurkić's absence, Utah has several players available off the bench.

The team's main reserves through the first two games have included Jaxon Hayes, Svi Mykhailiuk, Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski.

Those players give Utah different lineup combinations depending on the game's pace and matchups.

Hayes and Filipowski can provide additional size in the frontcourt.

Mykhailiuk offers a perimeter shooting option, while Collier and Sensabaugh add depth to the team's guard and wing rotation.

The effectiveness of Utah's reserves could be especially important when the Lakers turn to their own bench.

If the Jazz can generate reliable production from their second unit, they may be better positioned to challenge Los Angeles throughout the game.

Key Matchups That Could Decide Lakers vs. Jazz

Several individual and team matchups could influence Sunday's result.

Walker Kessler Against His Former Team

Kessler's return to Utah is likely to be one of the game's most closely watched storylines.

His ability to protect the paint, contribute on the boards and remain effective while wearing a finger splint could make a difference for Los Angeles.

Utah's familiarity with Kessler may also create an interesting tactical battle.

Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves Leading the Lakers' Offense

Los Angeles will look to Dončić and Reaves to organize its offense and create scoring opportunities.

Their decision-making and ability to involve teammates could help the Lakers maintain their early-season momentum.

Against Utah's versatile frontcourt, ball movement and shot selection may be particularly important.

Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. Testing Los Angeles

Utah's frontcourt presents a combination of offensive skill and defensive versatility.

The Lakers will need to account for Markkanen's scoring ability while managing Jackson's impact around the basket.

How effectively Los Angeles handles those matchups could influence the game's tempo and efficiency.

Bench Production and Roster Depth

With both teams missing players, reserve contributions may prove important.

The Lakers will rely on their established bench rotation, while Utah will seek production from players stepping into larger responsibilities.

A strong performance from either second unit could help determine the outcome.

Lakers vs. Jazz: Game Time and TV Information

According to the original report, Sunday's game is scheduled for an early evening start.

Game detailsInformationMatchupLos Angeles Lakers vs. Utah JazzDateSunday, October 25, 2026Tipoff5:00 p.m. ETLocationUtahLakers record2-0Jazz record1-1Broadcast optionsKJZZ, Jazz+, Spectrum SportsNet, Spectrum SportsNet+

Broadcast availability may depend on the viewer's location and subscription.

What the Lakers Need to Do to Win

For Los Angeles, the primary goal will be maintaining the consistency that helped the team open the season with two victories.

The Lakers have already demonstrated that they can defeat competitive opponents at home.

Now they must show that their performance can translate to the road.

Keeping Kessler involved in the frontcourt could help Los Angeles establish a physical presence against Utah.

The Lakers will also need efficient offensive execution from their starting guards and reliable production from their reserves.

Limiting turnovers and preventing Utah from gaining momentum in front of its home crowd could be especially important.

The absence of Carr and Thiero may not require major changes to the starting lineup, but it does reduce the team's available depth.

That makes disciplined rotation management and consistent effort throughout the game even more valuable.

What Utah Must Do to Hand Los Angeles Its First Loss

The Jazz will attempt to build on their victory over New Orleans and take advantage of their home-court setting.

Utah's frontcourt could play a significant role in challenging the Lakers.

Markkanen and Jackson provide different offensive and defensive strengths, giving the Jazz opportunities to create difficult matchups.

The team will also need its guards to make effective decisions and avoid allowing Los Angeles to control the tempo.

With Nurkić unavailable, Utah's reserve big men may need to contribute additional minutes and rebounding.

The Jazz cannot rely solely on their starting lineup.

Strong bench production, defensive communication and consistent shooting could help Utah remain competitive against an undefeated opponent.

Final Thoughts: Lakers Chase 3-0 Start Despite Injury Concerns

Sunday's matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz features two teams with different early-season objectives.

Los Angeles is looking to preserve its unbeaten record after victories over the Warriors and Clippers.

Utah hopes to build on its first win and establish momentum during a five-game homestand.

The Lakers will be without Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero, while Walker Kessler has been cleared to play despite wearing a protective finger splint.

For Kessler, the contest will also mark an emotional and competitive milestone as he returns to face the franchise where he spent the first four seasons of his NBA career.

The Jazz, meanwhile, will be without Jusuf Nurkić, Trey Alexander and Harrison Ingram.

With both teams managing roster absences, Sunday's game could come down to frontcourt execution, bench contributions and which side adapts more effectively to its available personnel.

For the Lakers, a victory would extend their perfect start to 3-0.

For the Jazz, defeating Los Angeles would provide an early statement and strengthen their position during an important stretch of home games.

The stage is set for an intriguing Western Conference matchup, with the Lakers chasing another victory and the Jazz hoping to deliver their first home win against Los Angeles this season.

Editor's note: This article is a rewritten and expanded version of the Roundtable Sports report by Jeremy Lambert, published October 25, 2026. Player availability, team records and lineup information reflect the supplied report and have not been independently updated. The game is presented as an upcoming matchup.