West Notes: Jazz, Collin Sexton, Lakers, Darvin Ham, Clippers

Jazz

Suddenly, the Jazz are on fire, and people who only follow the NBA on a part-time basis may not know this … but Utah is now firmly in the playoff chase.

That’s because they’ve won 13 of 17. And that hot streak just happens to coincide with guard Collin Sexton moving into the starting lineup, as relayed by Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune.

In fact, Sexton has been among the NBA’s top 10 scorers over the past month, Larsen noted.

“Collin’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever been around. He gets incredibly low to the floor when he drives, he’s very strong, very explosive, and he’s able to play through contact,” coach Will Hardy said. “We know can get in the paint at will — maybe not every time, but most times he can get into paint, and his decision-making has really improved in those spots.”

Forward Lauri Markkanen, a teammate of Sexton in both Cleveland and Utah, expressed that he’s equally impressed.

“Collin’s been playing really well, at a high level,” Markkanen said. “He’s really picking his spots, when to attack, when to facilitate, and when to slow down and when to use his speed. I think he’s playing a really high level right now and we need him to keep it up.”

Lakers

Multiple reports have strongly suggested that Lakers coach Darvin Ham is in no danger of losing his job, with the latest coming from The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.

In fact, Ham even talked about the matter with Haynes.

“I speak to Rob every day and we’re always discussing ways to improve our team and what we can do better as a coaching staff,” Ham told Haynes. “It’s an open dialogue that I embrace and that is helpful. We’re all trying to get this right and we will.”

• As we relayed here and here, the Lakers have been linked to Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, who’s expected to be traded. It would likely cost LA a first-round pick (along with salary to match).

Clippers

The Clippers are in line to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome, into which they move next season, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The arena is located in Inglewood, Calif., and is still under construction.

For the record, the Pacers are hosting the game this season, with the Warriors slated to host in 2025.

Meanwhile, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is the richest in the NBA. So it’s no surprise his new building will be getting the NBA’s big weekend.