The Los Angeles Lakers are set to extend their winning streak as they host the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams, following a 10-point victory for the Lakers in their previous clash on November 10 in Charlotte.
Lakers vs. Hornets Game Overview
The Lakers enter this game with a record of 23-14, while the Hornets stand at 14-26. This contest is one of five games for the Lakers in a span of just seven days. Their recent performance against the Atlanta Hawks showcased their potential, with the team delivering a decisive 141-116 victory. This win snapped a three-game losing streak.
Lakers’ Recent Performance
In their last game, the Lakers achieved a season-high of 19 three-pointers and recorded a shooting percentage of 56% from beyond the arc. This impressive performance boosted their overall 3-point shooting average from the last spot in the league to 23rd, currently at 34% per game.
LeBron James delivered a standout performance, recording 31 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists. This marked his first time participating in back-to-back games this season. Additionally, Rui Hachimura made a notable return, contributing seven points despite having a limit on his playing time.
Hornets’ Current Struggles
The Hornets are coming off a challenging stretch, having lost three of their last four games. Their most recent defeat was a 117-109 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Although LaMelo Ball shone with 25 points, the Hornets struggled overall, contributing to their 12th-place standing in the Eastern Conference.
Some of the key offensive players for the Hornets include Miles Bridges, averaging 19.5 points per game, and Brandon Miller, who follows closely with 19.1 points per game. However, the team faces challenges with their bench scoring, where Colin Sexton stands out as their primary scoring option off the bench at 15 points per game.
Team Rankings and Statistics
| Category | Lakers | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rank | Not specified | 11th (116.2) |
| Defensive Rank | Not specified | 21st (116.6) |
| Fast Break Points | Not specified | 27th (13.1) |
Injury Update
In terms of injuries affecting the matchup, the Lakers have several players listed. Backup center Jaxson Hayes is questionable for the game, while Austin Reaves and Adou Thiero are out. The Hornets also have some injury concerns, including Colin Sexton and Moussa Diabate, both listed as questionable.
Matchday Attire and Next Games
For this game, the Lakers will don their iconic gold uniforms, while the Hornets will showcase their teal Icon Edition uniforms. Following this matchup, the Lakers will face a back-to-back challenge with games against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Toronto Raptors.
The upcoming clash between the Lakers and the Hornets promises excitement as both teams navigate their respective challenges. Fans can anticipate a thrilling matchup as the Lakers aim to build on their success against the Hornets.
