Jan. 24.

The Jazz announced their schedule for next season's other 81 games on Tuesday, too. But that's the date that most Jazz fans will be anticipating for the next 179 days.

Karl Malone, for 18 seasons the Jazz's signature player, returns to the Delta Center that January night wearing a Lakers uniform. The teams' first meeting is Dec. 7 in Los Angeles, and they have two March dates (the 8th in Salt Lake, the 28th in L.A.), but it's probably safe to expect the Mailman hype to crescendo on that Saturday evening.

"In some ways, I'm looking forward to it," owner Larry Miller said earlier this month, when Malone made his departure via free agency official. "But ask me again when that day gets near."

Speaking of hype, Cavs rookie LaBron James will make his first Delta Center visit one week earlier, on Jan. 17.

Fans embittered by free agents who turned down Utah's money this summer might want to show up to greet Gilbert Arenas (with Washington on March 23), Andre Miller (with Denver on Jan. 20 and March 27), and Brad Miller (with Sacramento, a rematch of last season's playoff series, on Nov. 19 and Dec. 12). And Corey Maggette, who had agreed to play 41 games in the Delta Center next season, instead will appear just twice -- with the Clippers on Dec. 5 and Jan. 26.

The Jazz's schedule includes, after a one-year absence, their traditional marathon Eastern road trip just before Christmas. This one is a season-long six games, and it's as difficult as it is lengthy: Included are visits to all four of last season's Eastern Conference semifinalists.