Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton
Dec 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-108. USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze

The Los Angeles Lakers (12-22) will try to capitalise on the momentum generated by the Christmas Day win over the Clippers during Tuesday's home clash against the Utah Jazz (18-13) at the Staples Center.

The Purple & Gold has lost eight of its last 10 games but coach Luke Walton believes the team is now ready to return to winning ways, especially with D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young recovering from their injuries. "It (the win) was needed, it was. It felt good to get this one back home. It's been a tough couple of weeks, and we had to come together to win that one," Walton said after the Lakers beat the Clippers 111-102 on Sunday.

It was only their second win in 14 games after a lengthy, seven-game road trip, and it came against a Clippers team without stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, but veteran Lou Williams felt the team needed the rub of the green for a change.

"A win is a win, and nobody makes excuses for us when we have guys down (with injuries). We got stops in the third quarter, and we were able to put a few (baskets) together. We were the most aggressive team coming out of the locker room," Williams said after the Lakers won a record 22nd game on Christmas, matching the New York Knicks' record.

Walton was especially pleased with the fact that seven Lakers scored in double-digits in what was the team's first victory over their inter-city rivals since Oct. 29, 2013.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz: Visitors on losing streak

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz, on a three-game losing streak, are the NBA's best defensive unit but coach Quin Snyder acknowledges that the young Lakers team can't be underestimated. "They were banged up, and you can see how injury can impact your team," Snyder told the Salt Lake Tribune, via ESPN.

"They're healthy now. They have Nick Young back. D'Angelo Russell is back. And Lou Williams is obviously playing at a high level. You saw the teams they beat early when they were healthy, so it's a tough game," added the coach of the Utah Jazz, who beat the Lakers 96-89 and 107-101 in their two previous meetings this year.

Since the teams have already met twice in the first two months of the season, there's a feeling of familiarity, which could prove to be detriment to the Jazz who will try to end their three-game losing streak. Also, the Jazz are still playing without starting point guard George Hill, who is nursing from a toe injury.

The Lakers have suffered 22 losses but are still only 3.5 games behind the eighth seeded Sacramento Kings in the wide-open playoff race in the Western Conference. Since the team will seven of its next eight games at home, there's a good chance that they could return to contention for their first postseason berth in three seasons.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz live stream: How to watch

Start time: 10.30 PM (ET), 7.30 PM (PT), 1.30 PM on Wednesday (AEST), 2.30 PM (AEDT)
On TV: Spectrum Sports Net, Root Sports (USA), NBA TV (Global)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass (Global), NBA TV (Global)

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