The Hornets knocked down a franchise record 24 three-pointers in a 133-126 win over the Hawks. Jalen Johnson had 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in that defeat. The Pelicans, Trail Blazers and Mavericks all snagged overtime victories.

The last time, the Utah Jazz were sacrificial lambs for LeBron James’ 23rd season debut. This time they’re planning a different outcome when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic did it all on Thursday as they beat the Utah Jazz for third time this season.

POINTERS KEY HAS 29 PTS FOR THE JAZZ pic.twitter.com/UuUywV3the In the first half of the game, the Utah Jazz youth came to life as they dropped a whopping 78 points before the halftime buzzer sounded,

The Los Angeles Lakers play the Los Angeles Clippers after Luka Dončić scored 45 points in the Lakers' 143-135 victory against the Utah Jazz

Luka Doncic made franchise history with his 45-point triple-double as LA clinched a 143-135 win in the Jazz vs. Lakers game.

There are nights in the NBA when defense feels optional, and the rim looks as wide as the ocean. Thursday night between the Lakers and Jazz at the Delta Center was exactly that kind of chaotic, beautiful mess.

Perimeter defense was a major concern for the Lakers in their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, with James and Rui Hachimura finding themselves unable to pick up the predictable slack left by Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic on that end of the floor.

Watch Clippers vs. Lakers on Dec. 20 with TV channel, streaming options, and game info as LeBron James and LA face struggling rivals.