The Lakers began their five-game road trip with a disappointing loss against the Hawks. The good news is they can move on from that game and show that this contest was an anomaly when they take on the Hornets.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets
When: 4:00 p.m. PT, Nov. 1o
Where: Spectrum Center
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
Look, the Hornets aren’t a good team. They are 3-6 on the season and their three wins came against the Jazz, Nets and Wizards. These teams have a combined record of 5-23. However, as Saturday’s loss against a severely shorthanded Atlanta team demonstrated, if the Lakers don’t bring the appropriate level of energy, they can lose to anyone.
Lakers fans should expect the team to bounce back from that poor performance. Head coach JJ Redick was fuming after the game and it’s a pretty good bet that he let them have it and will demand better from them in Charlotte.
Being better starts at the top with the Lakers. While Luka Dončić has been sensational for the most part this season, with LeBron James out and Austin Reaves still dealing with a groin issue, he needs to be better on this road trip.
Against the Hawks, he committed two early fouls, making it difficult for him to stay physical on defense. Add in some missed free throws, and things got ugly quickly in Atlanta.
Beyond Luka, everyone needs to be better. No one had a good performance for the Lakers against the Hawks, so improvement is needed across the board.
From the Hornets’ perspective, they’ll need a big game from their rookie Kon Knueppel. He’s averaging 16.4 points and six rebounds per game. Other production for the Hornets will be tough to come by.
LaMelo Ball is still out, and Miles Bridges is questionable. The good news for the Hornets is that Collin Sexton is back. He is averaging 16.1 points this season.
Regardless of who plays for Charlotte, Los Angeles should still win this game. They are coming off an embarrassing loss and need to show that kind of play is unacceptable and won’t be commonplace this season by dominating the Hornets.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (right sciatica), Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) are out.
- Austin Reaves (right groin strain) has been upgraded to questionable.
- For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball (right ankle impingement), Josh Green (left shoulder surgery), Brandon Miller (left shoulder subluxation) and Grant Williams (right knee surgery) are all out.
- Miles Bridges (back spasms) is questionable.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
