Preview: Lakers look to avoid sting of the Hornets

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game on March 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to win their first game of the season against the Utah Jazz. In that game, we saw Anthony Davis and LeBron James still working out some kinks. Frank Vogel showed us that he’s still working on the rotations. Regardless, they will try to start a winning streak against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets will be entering Staples Center with a 1-1 record. Following an opening night win against the Chicago Bulls (which reproduced a great tweet), they faced defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 121-99. Karl-Anthony Towns absolutely dominated. The Kentucky alum took advantage of the absence of Cody Zeller en route to 37 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.

The Lakers have another big that was the first overall pick that spent a year at UK. Davis hasn’t looked his best in two games with the Lakers but that can be attributed to adjusting to a new team. Still, he’s averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. His outside shooting can be a point of emphasis moving into this game as you can see from this shot chart from Statmuse. He has an opportunity to take advantage of a team whose frontcourt consists of Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez.

One of his makes was not even intentional.

It is still very early on in the season but Charlotte leads the league in 3-pointers made (35) and is second in 3-point percentage (47.8). Two of their players are in the top 10 of 3-pointers made in Devonte Graham, who leads the league with 12 and P.J. Washington who has eight. Locking up their shooters will be a priority for the Lakers going into the game.

Lakers rank 12th in 3-pointers made (12) and in 3-point percentage (35.7). Their shooting is led by Danny Green who has 9 made 3-pointers (64%). Troy Daniels is second on the team, with 5 made 3-pointers (38.5%).

The Lakers are 35-23 all-time against the Charlotte team, taking the season series last year. Be sure to catch the game at 6:30 PST.

Author: Kendrew

The Filipino guy

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