Darryn Peterson's Learning Curve Hit Another Bump Against the Lakers

Utah Jazz rookie guard Darryn Peterson was expected to hit a learning curve or two during his first season. It was a neutral step in terms of his development on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Jazz fell 132-123 at Delta Center.

Peterson scored eight points on 4-of-13 shooting, missed all four of his 3-point attempts and committed five fouls.

He didn't attempt a free throw. But the box score wasn't empty. Peterson also ended with three rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block in 30 minutes.

The game was a seesaw battle. Utah led 47-29 after the first quarter, then sat back and watched Los Angeles outscore it 45-24 in the second. Luka Doncic finished with 52 points, and the Jazz turned the ball over 17 times, including six by starting point guard Keyonte George and four by Jaren Jackson Jr.

Peterson's one turnover was the least of the team's worries.

Through the first three games of the season, Peterson has 32 total points on 13-of-32 shooting. That's a mediocre start to his NBA career, but his game is starting to translate.

What usually bites rookies is the turnover bug. It is the early test for any young guard thrown into the starting lineup with expectations. Peterson went from a turnover in the Memphis loss to none in a 120-119 win over New Orleans and then to one against the Lakers. 

Free-throw rate is the more unpredictable number.

He got to the line four times at Memphis and made the go-ahead pair against the Pelicans with under a minute left, then went to the line zero times on Sunday. His shot selection offers a similar split.

Against the Lakers, seven of his 13 shot attempts came in the paint, where he made four, while missing all of his perimeter shots.

Peterson thrives in getting to his spots and executing on the offensive end. While Peterson is expected to score 25 points a night, where he chooses to attack is what coach Will Hardy is looking for.

Utah doesn't need Peterson to be a well-rounded player in October or even November.

It needs evidence that Peterson is heading in the right direction. After three games, the Jazz haven't found what works with him and what doesn't. The coaching staff will start to see a clearer picture in November and into the winter.

The season is only three games old, and the Jazz have plenty of things to work on. They will need to flush this one as they take on the Grizzlies at home on Monday in their first back-to-back of the season.