What: Charlotte Hornets (0-1) vs Los Angeles Lakers (1-0)

When: 4:00pm EDT

Where: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV

How to watch: ESPN2

The Hornets are back in action with a nice Sunday afternoon matinee. They continue to be one the features of the summer league, this time being matched up with a Lakers team that always draws the most fans to the event. The fun thing about this Lakers team is that they’re coming off a win over the Warriors, who shellacked the Hornets in game two of the California Classic. There are too key players to pay the most attention to.

The first is 17th overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino. JHS as we’ll call him has been up and down in summer league so far, but he did put up an efficient 20 point performance in the Lakers’ second game. He’s been first, first, and tied for second in shot attempts on his team in the three games, so he’ll get his shots up no matter what. The Hornets will probably accept that defensively.

The other is Max Christie, who’s trying to qualify as a too-good-for-summer-league-pull-him-so-he-doesn’t-get-hurt guy. He’s led the Lakers in scoring in all three games while shooting 61.5% from three. He’s the biggest threat on the other end of the floor, and I’d like to see Brandon Miller get some possessions on him to see if he can put a dent in the second year pro’s scoring average, even if it might be a bit of a crossmatch.

On the offensive end, Miller will look to put together a full game. We saw his most aggressive showing in the last meeting with the Spurs, but he didn’t have his most efficient shooting night. I’d like to see him play that same aggressive floor game while also cashing in on more of his jump shot attempts.

For the rest of the team, the goal should be more connectedness and better ball movement. Too many players are trying to show out as scorers. The Hornets don’t need scorers from their depth. They need someone to show out as a player that can fill a role, defend their possession, and make the right decisions. Amari Bailey and Bryce McGowens have come the closest to doing that so far. James Bouknight and Nick Smith Jr. have another chance to prove they can be that guy as well.