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
When: 4:00 p.m. PT, Nov. 1o
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.
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.
