Opinion
3 min read

Lakers and Hornets Set to Swarm Spectrum Center in Upcoming Duel

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face off against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of mixed performances. The upcoming game on February 6th will be a true test for the Lakers, who have shown both flashes of brilliance and moments of vulnerability in their past few outings.


CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Dennis Smith Jr. #8 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a shot during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Spectrum Center on January 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

In their Christmas Day clash with the Boston Celtics, despite falling short with a score of 115-126, LAL demonstrated an ability to compete against one of the league's top teams. With an impressive three-point shooting percentage at 41 percent and a total rebound count that exceeded Boston's by four, there were positive takeaways even in defeat.


However, consistency has been an issue for LAL. Just one day prior to their battle with Boston, they secured a victory over Oklahoma City Thunder with a scoreline of 129-120. Their offensive prowess was on full display as they shot 52 percent from the field and matched this efficiency beyond the arc at 50 percent. Moreover, they out-assisted OKC by a significant margin – showcasing excellent ball movement and team play.


CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 2: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on January 2, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Yet again though, inconsistency reared its head when LAL visited Minnesota Timberwolves two days before Christmas. Despite putting up respectable numbers including shooting 49 percent from the field and securing six blocks defensively, turnovers proved costly as they gave up possession eighteen times leading to thirteen points off turnovers for Minnesota.


The key for Los Angeles will be finding stability on both ends of the floor. They'll need to replicate their high-efficiency offense seen against OKC while tightening up defensively – reducing turnovers will be crucial against Charlotte's opportunistic defense.


CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 2: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 2, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Charlotte Hornets have had their own struggles but cannot be underestimated; any lapses in concentration could give CHA just what they need to capitalize on home court advantage.


Looking ahead towards February 6th’s contest at Spectrum Center in Charlotte (NC), it is imperative that Lakers fans rally behind their team as they seek redemption on another team's turf. The game is scheduled for tip-off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and can be watched live on SportsNet LA channel number 691 or BSSE channel number 649 depending upon your location.

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