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After the Texas two-game series did not go their way, the LA Lakers will look to regroup against the Charlotte Hornets at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. The matchup also marks the beginning of a long homestand, as they play their next five games at home, starting against LaMelo Ball and Co.
The game is in the spotlight amid the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, with reports stating that the NBA will 'closely monitor' the situation to determine the possibility of a showdown. On the season front, it's been that kind of a campaign for the Lakers with wins looking impressive and losses looking just as woeful. They recorded one of their worst losses against the short-handed Dallas Mavericks.
Despite being young and competitive, the Hornets are languishing at the near bottom of the Eastern Conference. With a playoff berth out of their reach, unless they magically turn their season around, it looks like another forgettable run for the Charlotte franchise. This, in turn, makes them a unit that can afford to play carefree ball as they did in their win against the Phoenix Suns.
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The last time both these sides met, the Purple and Gold chalked up a 124-118 win with former Laker D'Angelo Russell leading the charge with 28 points. Anthony Davis recorded a solid triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. LeBron James tallied 26 points and seven assists.
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The Lakers' next stretch of games is challenging, yet winnable. With Dorian Finney-Smith's insertion giving them that additional 3-and-D juice, LA will hope to get the results in their favor and make a surge to remain in the top five in the West. But it all starts with them needing to right the ship on Thursday.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction
The Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers tips off at 10:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on SportsNet LA and FDSSE. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV and the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Preview
LA's result on Thursday depends on how they manage to contain the Hornets backcourt of Ball and Brandon Miller. They are a side overly reliant on Ball's playmaking and relentless scoring. Miller or Miles Bridges need to be contained to ensure Charlotte doesn't get off to a hot start. It's been a year where poor shooting, torrid rebounding, and turning the ball over have yet again plagued them throughout the season.
The Hornets are 29th in scoring offense, averaging 106.1 points per game, and averaging 104.2 points per 100 possessions. They are dead last in field goal percentage (42.5%) and 23rd in 3-point offense (34.3%). They are 15th in scoring defense allowing 110.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Lakers will need Austin Reaves and Max Christie to up the ante on offense. Rui Hachimura has continued to blow hot and cold, but his size and offense can be tough for the Hornets. Finney-Smith and Dalton Knecht can use the opportunity to strike some form to prepare better for the upcoming games.
LA will need to get better on defense as their 20th-placed scoring defense allows 112.8 points per 100 possessions. They are 15th in scoring offense averaging 111.8 PPG and 111.6 points per 100 possessions. They are ninth in the league in FG% with 47.3% from the field and are 18th in 3-point offense with 35.4% from the deep.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups
The LA Lakers listed Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) and LeBron James (left foot injury management) as probable. Cam Reddish (low back soreness) is questionable, while Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Jarred Vanderbilt (surgery recovery), and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) are all ruled out.
The Hornets will be without Tre Mann (disc irritation) and Grant Williams (ACL recovery). Expect them to field the same starting five from their last game against the Suns.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Betting Tips
LaMelo Ball comes into the contest with an o/u of -110/-104 on points. Brandon Miller is -110/-113 on points. For the Lakers, LeBron James is -106/-110 on points and -115/-110 on points and rebounds.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Prediction
The Hornets' poor rim protection and erratic offense make this a contest that the LA Lakers could win and get back to winning ways. The Lakers are still a better team on paper on both ends of the floor. Should the game happen as slated, chalk up a win for the Lakers.
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