Who: Los Angeles Lakers (33-42) vs. Charlotte Hornets (35-49)
When: Friday, March 29; 7:30 p.m. PST; Staples Center
The Los Angeles Lakers will be back at home on Friday to take on the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center. If Los Angeles wants to keep the game interesting at, they have to try and make life hard on Kemba Walker, which is easier said than done.
Since the All-Star break, Walker is averaging 26 points per game on 41.4 percent shooting from the field to go along with 6.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Over his last five games, he’s averaging an even more impressive 28.2 points, 8.6 assists, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Given how much Rajon Rondo has struggled on the defensive end this season, Alex Caruso or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely have to pick up Walker defensively.
If the Lakers can take care of Walker, they’ll at least be able to keep the game close, especially if LeBron James is cleared to play. As it stands, James is listed as probable on the injury report. Mike Muscala is also probably, while Reggie Bullock and Tyson Chandler are questionable.
It would be in the team’s best interest to lose against the Hornets, but James has made it clear he won’t tempt the basketball gods. Expect them to come out and put on a show for the fans at Staples Center.
