LAKERS VS. UTAH.

Tipoff: 7:15 p.m., Great Western Forum.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West; KLAC-AM (570).

Lakers (0-0) update: Both rookie guard Shea Seals and second-year forward Mario Bennett made the opening-day roster, with an assist from the injured list. Seals was placed on the injured list with back spasms to reduce the active roster to 12 by Thursday afternoon's deadline. He must miss a minimum of five games. . . . Shaquille O'Neal (abdominal strain) is out of action tonight but will nevertheless have serious responsibilities. He has been named the team captain for the 1997-98 season, the Lakers announced Thursday. . . . At last count, about 1,800 tickets remained for tonight's game.

Utah (0-0) update: While the Lakers are all 29 and under, the Jazz returns tonight with five players over 30. They also have their top 11 players back from the team that won the West last year. Much rides, for now, on the young shoulders of Howard Eisley, filling in for the injured John Stockton. Can he set a pick like the old man? Can he find an open Malone in the paint? Can he guard Nick Van Exel?