[ad_1]
The Los Angeles Lakers close their six-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, looking to return home with an impressive 4-2 record on the trip.
Los Angeles is coming off another spectacular win against the New York Knicks on Saturday. winning 113-105which truly represents the type of rollercoaster season the Lakers have endured.
Now, this is an opportunity for the purple and gold to close this trip on a high note and there is no better opportunity against a rebuilding team. While it’s difficult to gauge what kind of Lakers team will show up, a loss against a 10-38 Hornets team that has lost seven in a row cannot be allowed.
After returning to Madison Square Garden, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were once again listed as questionable for today’s matchup. But the two stars are expected to dress well in Charlotte. Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent are out of Los Angeles for this finale and some of the next few weeks.
For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward and Mark Williams, some of the best talents on this Charlotte team, are out, in addition to some discarded role players like Cody Martin and Frank Ntilikina and Kyle Lowry, who is not with the team. This puts more emphasis on the Lakers coming out quickly and eliminating a depleted Hornets team early.
Charlotte is currently on its second straight night at home, facing the Indiana Pacers on Sunday and losing 115-99. The second overall pick in this year’s draft, Brandon Miller, had 35 points and six rebounds on 10-of-25 shooting from the field and 5-of-12 from 3-point range, while PJ Washington contributed 22 points and nine rebounds. with 9 of 16 shots.
Those two will be the primary scoring options for the Hornets, aside from Miles Bridges, as those three take the majority of the shots. The Lakers will have to force them to make difficult shots since Charlotte is without their table manager, Ball.
As Los Angeles enters the late stages of the regular season, every win matters as they begin to fight for the playoffs and perhaps play-in tournament position. Losing games against a bad team like the Hornets is inexcusable at this point in the season.
Coming out as the aggressor and holding it for 48 minutes will do the job for the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers (26-25) vs. Charlotte Hornets (10-38)
4:00 pm PT, February 5, 2024
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Television: SportsNet Spectrum
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA
Lakers Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
GS: Austin Reaves
SF: Rui Hachimura
PS: LeBron James
C: Antonio Davis
Key reserves: Taurean Prince, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood
Hornets Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Ish Smith
SG: Black leaky
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Bridges of miles
C: Nick Richards
Key reserves: PJ Washington, Nick Smith Jr., Bryce McGowens
Has subscribed to our youtube channel? It’s the best way to see player interviews, exclusive event coverage, participate in live shows and more!
[ad_2]
Source link