What: Charlotte Hornets (13-39) (4-19 away) at Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) (19-6 home)

When: 10:00pm Eastern

Where: crypto.com Arena; Los Angeles, CA

How to watch: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Outfitting: Hornets–Association (white), Lakers–Icon (yellow)

Game Lines: Hornets +12.5, Hornets money line +500, O/U 226.5

Injuries:
Hornets: LaMelo Ball-probable (ankle), Mark Williams-probable (returning from trade), Brandon Miller-out (wrist), Tre Mann-out (back), Grant Williams-out (knee), Josh Okogie-out (hamstring)

Lakers: LeBron James-questionable (ouchy foot), Maxi Kleber-out (foot)

This is probably the most compelling game of the Hornets season so far. At the very least, it’s surely going to be the most compelling game the Hornets have for the rest of the season. The Hornets and Lakers somewhat famously had a trade fall through after the trade deadline because Mark Williams apparently failed his physical. The Lakers were supposed to send away Dalton Knecht, and the Hornets were supposed to send away Mark Williams. Now both players are back with the teams that tried to trade them away.

Knecht has appeared in one game since almost being traded, scoring 10 points in a loss to the Jazz. This will be Williams’ first action since all of the funny business. I’m very interested to see how he responds. On one hand, it’s easy to understand why he’d feel a bit betrayed by the Hornets. On the other, the Lakers essentially decided that he wasn’t worth what they were going to give up for him. That seems like a significant slight to me. Let’s see if he takes it that way and tries to show out against the team that wanted and then didn’t want him.

It’s such an interesting twist of fate that the schedule worked out this way. This game was originally supposed to be played on January 9th but was postponed because of the Los Angeles wildfires. Now it sits as a standalone game on the first day back after the All Star break between two teams that seemingly now have a strained relationship.

And as if all that wasn’t enough to get the juices flowing, the Lakers have Luka Doncic too! He’s appeared in two games since the trade that shocked the NBA world but has struggled a bit to find his place so far. He’s been limited to just 23 minutes per game as he works his way back from a calf strain and has averaged roughly 15/4/4 in those minutes. You’d expect to see a bit more Luka, especially if LeBron doesn’t play. Most of the NBA world is going to be very curious to see how this game goes.

Oh, and LaMelo Ball should be back. So many things to watch. What a way to return from the break.