Lakers vs. Jazz: Who Has Most to Prove in Preseason Game?

The Los Angeles Lakers are focused on making the playoffs, but that does not mean they shouldn't focus on Tuesday night's preseason game against the Utah Jazz. 

The Lakers and Jazz are in vastly different situations. The Lakers are looking to make the NBA Finals, while the Jazz are hoping to make improve on last season’s eighth seed. 

Nevertheless, both teams have certain players who have much to prove in the preseason. Here are a few of note.  

Mo Williams, Utah Jazz 

After a short stint in Los Angeles as part of the Clippers, point guard Mo Williams found a home with the Utah Jazz. He is a welcomed addition to the team now that Devin Harris is in Atlanta. 

Williams is definitely taking advantage of Utah’s less-than-stellar point guard situation. He has started all three preseason games and currently averaged 11 points per game, which according to NBA.com, bests his career average of 8.7. 

The direction the Utah Jazz will take in the regular season may ultimately depend on how productive Williams can be in the starting role. 

Antawn Jamison, Los Angeles Lakers  

Last season, the Lakers were missing that spark in production off the bench. Trading away former Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom may have cost the Lakers a serious run at the NBA championship. 

This year, however, can be different with the acquisition of former Cleveland Cavalier Antawn Jamison, who averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game according to ESPN.com.

In the three preseason games played, Jamison has only scored 5.3 points per game. He undoubtedly needs to improve in order to give the Lakers that legitimate threat off the bench that they lacked last season. 

Jamison has already proven his worth as a quality bench player, having won the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 2003-04 season. Time will only tell if he can repeat his success with the Lakers.