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Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin is "closer" to deciding on a starting lineup, but a final decision won't be made until Monday.

Utah opens the abbreviated 66-game season Tuesday night at Los Angeles against the Lakers.

Before a Christmas Eve practice, Corbin said, "We have a pretty good idea of who the starters will be."

He declined to name them, however, saying he wanted to go through one more full-scale practice before doing so.

Injury-wise, the Jazz are apparently in good shape.

Forward Paul Millsap's quad tendinitis has responded to treatment and rest.

He participated in his second consecutive practice Saturday and is expected to play against the Lakers.

Could Millsap start?

"That's a possibility, but we're not sure yet," Corbin said. "He looked really good. I think he's healed completely. He ran really well and was happy to be back on the floor."

Remembered for his golf game

In the aftermath of Memo Okur's trade to New Jersey, Corbin was asked what he will most remember of the Jazz's former center.

Corbin laughed and said, "He got into golf the last few years. Imagine seeing a big guy like him on a golf course. But he really enjoyed the game. He got good fast."

When Okur hit a "not-so-good" shot, Corbin said, his response could be "pretty funny."

Asked if the Jazz actually traded Okur because he could beat the head coach on the golf course, Corbin said, "He wouldn't beat me — just win a few holes here and there."

'Hate to see your buddy go'

Raja Bell lost more than a teammate when the Jazz traded Okur.

Asked about the deal, Bell shook his head slightly and said, "You always hate to see your buddy go. A guy you're friends with and your families hang out.

"In that regard, it sucks to see him go. But those certainly aren't my decisions, and I'm not privy to the ins and outs on why it was done."

Bell believes Okur, who is in the final year of his contract, could have a big season playing with ex-Jazz point guard Deron Williams and the Nets.

"I'm sure Memo will have a great opportunity there in New Jersey," Bell said. "He gets to play with Deron again and, from what I understand, the kid [Brook] Lopez is down for a while. So it might work out good for him."

The Nets acquired Okur to help replace Lopez, who underwent foot surgery Friday. He will be sidelined for at least six weeks and probably longer. —

Season opener

P Jazz at Lakers

Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.

TV • TNT