Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić has averaged 34.7 points, 8.8 assists and 8.7 rebounds per game this year, and that performance has placed him in the MVP conversation.

Defensive deficiencies have caused the Los Angeles Lakers some headaches in recent games ahead of Thursday's clash with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

In 24 games played thus far, the All-Star power forward has averaged 27.8 points on 46.9% shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 35.3 minutes per contest.

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.

Amid the ongoing struggles by the Los Angeles Clippers, star guard James Harden is reportedly considered a potential trade candidate.

The Clippers announced on Wednesday via the official injury report that Harden will not be able to play on Thursday against the Thunder due to a left calf contusion.