Lonzo Ball, Lakers held in check by Jazz

— --

SALT LAKE CITY -- In an effort to put Lonzo Ball in the best possible situation to succeed, the Lakers studied the likes of Jason Kidd and John Stockton and Karl Malone this past summer.

On Saturday, Ball played in Stockton and Malone's old home, and the Jazz welcomed the rookie by taking away two of his biggest strengths so far this season -- rebounding and assists.

The Jazz did the best job of any team so far this season in keeping Ball off the glass and from racking up assists as Ball finished with 9 points, 4 assists and just 2 rebounds in a 96-81 loss to the Jazz.

Ball wasn't even the most exciting rookie in this game. That distinction went to Utah's coveted rookie Donovan Mitchell, who stole the spotlight from Ball, scoring 22 points and throwing down one absolutely ridiculous one-handed putback dunk that will easily be one of the best highlights of the season.