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Match details
Fixture: Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers.
Date and time: Sunday, 27 October 2019, 9:30 PM (ET).
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Last game result
Charlotte Hornets: 121-99 loss against Minnesota Timberwolves (25 October).
Los Angeles Lakers: 95-86 win against Utah Jazz (25 October).
Match overview
Two teams expected to be at the opposite ends of the NBA standings come April will lock horns as the new-look Los Angeles Lakers, led by All-Star duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis welcome a youthful Charlotte Hornets outfit to the Staples Center.
The Lakers bounced back from a disappointing loss in their season-opener to the Los Angeles Clippers by dismantling the Utah Jazz in their previous game.
LeBron James was at his dynamic best, pouring in 32 points and grabbing seven rebounds to help his side register their first win of the season.
Charlotte, on the other hand, edged out a one-point win against the Chicago Bulls but were then blown out of the water by the Minnesota Timberwolves last time around.
The Hornets entered the new season with tempered expectations, having parted ways with star point guard Kemba Walker. They certainly struggled in his absence, managing just 99 points in their previous game.
Key players
Los Angeles Lakers - Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was content to play second fiddle to LeBron James in the game against the Jazz. He was moved to center at half-time and impressed before eventually finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and five blocks.
Davis averaged close to 26 points per game last season and although those numbers might drop this time around, he is still expected to be a major force in the Lakers offense.
He will be matched up with the much smaller PJ Washington in this contest and will probably take full advantage of that and go on a scoring spree.
Charlotte Hornets - PJ Washington
The Hornets do not have too many standout players in their ranks but rookie PJ Washington has shown some promise in his opening two games.
Washington exploded for 27 points against the Chicago Bulls, setting a record for three-pointers made on debut.
He will have to rely on his jump shot against the Lakers who will be much more physical than the Bulls on defense, preventing him from driving to the basket.
However, he has shown in his first two games that he has the ability to mix it up with the best and Charlotte will hope he can power them to a massive upset.
Predicted starting lineups
Charlotte Hornets - PJ Washington, Miles Bridges, Bismack Biyombo, Dwayne Bacon, Terry Rozier.
Los Angeles Lakers - Anthony Davis, LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Danny Green, Avery Bradley.
Hornets vs Lakers match prediction
The Hornets are not a side known for their defense and the size difference that exists between the two teams makes this contest a mismatch, at least on paper. LeBron and Davis are both likely to draw double teams, ensuring open looks for the rest of the side.
The Hornets also do not possess the attacking firepower to keep up with the likes of Davis and LeBron and this could end up in a blowout victory for the Lakers.
Where to watch Hornets vs Lakers?
The game will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN from 9:30 PM (ET). There will be local coverage of the game on Spectrum Sportsnet as well. You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.
