The Los Angeles Lakers (17-25) will once again attempt to put a stop to another losing skid when they host the Utah Jazz (23-19) at the Staples Center on Friday night.

With the Lakers' season on a seemingly non-ending downward spiral, one of the last clubs that Los Angeles most likely want to take on is the torrid Jazz. With a victory over the Lakers, Utah can notch its fifth consecutive away win.

Despite conducting a team meeting before a practice on Wednesday, Los Angeles' most recent slide reached four games, as they faltered to the Memphis Grizzlies via 106-93 margin on Thursday.

On the losing end of its games in 10 out of its last 12 matchups, the Lakers currently find themselves in 12th place in the Western Conference and are seriously facing the very realistic possibility of not making it into the postseason for the first time since 2004-2005.

"I don't think they play as hard as they can play, and that's what's scary. I mean I don't know how we can play harder or blame something else," coach Mike D' Antoni told ESPN.

Kobe Bryant put up 29 points while the Lakers shot just 42.5 percent against the Grizzlies. Los Angeles was as far behind in the game as 21.

"It's just disappointing to lose, period. We just have to go back to work and work a little harder," he said.

Although Bryant continues to perform well, Pau Gasol still remains disgruntled with his current bench role. However, he could very well get the start if Dwight Howard is unable to take the court after re-aggravating his sore shoulder.

"He just reinjured the shoulder a little bit, and right now he is out obviously. But I don't know what that means day-to-day," D' Antoni said.

For those who have access to NBA LEAGUE PASS or would like to sign up, simply CLICK HERE to watch the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz via live stream. Coverage of the NBA game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. PST on Friday, Jan. 25.