SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Mailman will be delayed.

Karl Malone's first visit to Utah since he left the Jazz and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers was delayed Friday when the injured star stayed home for personal reasons.

Malone wouldn't have played in Saturday's game anyway since he's on the injured list with a sprained knee ligament. But there had been great anticipation about his return after an 18-year career with the Jazz.

``Frankly, I was really curious to see what fan reaction would be,'' Jazz owner Larry Miller said. ``But we're not going to get to see until March.''

The next time the Lakers visit the Jazz is March 8.

Lakers spokeswoman Alison Bogli said Malone stayed home for personal reasons, but she would not elaborate.

Malone also missed the Lakers' first game against the Jazz _ the Lakers won 94-92 in LA on Dec. 7 _ due to a one-game suspension for elbowing.

Miller and Malone feuded over several issues in the past, but the two always seemed to resolve their problems.

Even over the summer, after Malone announced he was signing for the veteran's exception of $1.5 million with the Lakers so he'd have a better chance of winning his first NBA title, Miller tearfully wished him well.

``Seeing him in a Lakers uniform, as I've seen him on TV, it's an awkward, out-of-kilter kind of feeling,'' Miller said. ``To have him miss because of injury, that troubles me, because I don't know how bad that injury really is and I sure wouldn't want to see him have any limiting factor for whatever his career objectives are.''

The Jazz had no plans for a special welcome for Malone. Utah fans have a long history of disliking the Lakers. Even Malone, who became one of the state's most popular public figures during his stay, would have probably faced a few boos.

``When the game starts, it doesn't make any difference _ Karl Malone or whoever it is _ I don't really care,'' Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. ``Our job still remains the same.''