via Imago
Feb 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) takes the ball down court in the second half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Feb 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) takes the ball down court in the second half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Charlotte Hornets tonight. It will be an exciting battle as the current face of the league, LeBron James, takes on LaMelo Ball, who could take over from him once he retires. This is their first matchup of the season.
Date & Time: March 1, 2021, 8:30pm ET
Venue: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Preview | Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are coming off a three-game winning streak. They entered the All-Star break with two defeats in a row and desperately needed a break. Since returning, they have looked much better and a lot livelier too. In Anthony Davis’ absence, LeBron is continuing to put in the extra effort to lead them and it is working so far.
The Lakers have multiple absentees for tonight’s game. Alex Caruso (concussion), Kostas Antetokounmpo, and Marc Gasol (COVID-19 protocol) are all out for the game along with AD. LeBron James and Markieff Morris are listed as questionable but are likely to play.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel (right) talks to his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Starting 5 for the Lakers
Guard – Dennis Schroder
Guard – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Forward – LeBron James
Forward – Markieff Morris
Center – Damian Jones
Preview | Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets had their four-game winning streak broken last night. But they will hope to turn it around and bounce back tonight. They have outdone all expectations so far and hold the fifth seed in the East currently. LaMelo Ball might be stealing all headlines, but one cannot ignore the important contributions from Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier in their success.
In contrast to the Lakers’ injury woes, the Hornets enter the game with a fully fit team. Coach James Borrego will be delighted to have his full strength roster to compete against a top team like the Lakers.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, right, hug Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier after Rozier hit the game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors at Spectrum Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Starting 5 for the Hornets
Guard – LaMelo Ball
Guard – Terry Rozier
Forward – Gordon Hayward
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Forward – P.J. Washington
Center – Cody Zeller
Predictions | Lakers vs Hornets
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Although the Lakers come in as favorites, it will be foolish to underestimate the opposition. The Hornets have taken down some big teams like the Bucks, Nets, and the Suns. It won’t be a stroll in the park for the Lakers, but LeBron should be able to lead his team past the Hornets. They will have to continue their defensive effort in order to come away with the win or they risk an upset.
ALSO READ – Anthony Davis Injury Update: What is The Latest News on the Lakers’ Star’s Return?
