Lakers Brace For Hornets' Bounce Back With LeBron James Questionable To Suit Up

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets — LaMelo Ball will try to lead the Hornets back to victory road when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, Jan. 2. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

The Lakers aim for back-to-back wins against the Hornets
LeBron James and Lonnie Walker are listed as probable to play against the Hornets
The Hornets will miss the services of Kelly Oubre

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, January 2, with the team hoping to snag their second-straight win over the skidding counterpart at the home floor of Spectrum Center.

The Lakers are hoping to get another W after winning last time out against the Atlanta Hawks, 130-121.

LeBron James, celebrating his 38th birthday at the time, almost finished with a triple-double as he wound up with 47 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in 40 minutes of action.

Thomas Bryant and Russell Westbrook backed up James with 19 and 14 points respectively.

For the Hornets, Charlotte is looking to bounce back from a 106-123 shellacking at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets last time out.

LaMelo Ball led the Buzz City with 23 points and 11 assists in that game, while Mason Plumlee had 22 markers and 10 boards.

Heading into this matchup, the Lakers are a slight favorite to prevail over the Hornets per Dimers.com.

Although the Lakers have lost five of their last seven games, including four of their last six road games, Los Angeles has been doing well offensively.

They have been scoring 115 points per game in their last three assignments although their rebounding effort could improve.

Turnovers remain a problem for the purple and gold as well, turning over the ball 18 times per game in their last three matches.

These are factors that may give the Hornets a chance, especially if Charlotte plays good defense.

The team plays better at home, averaging more than seven steals per game.

Something that may also even things out is whether James will be suiting up against the Hornets.

The four-time NBA champion is listed as probable for the game with an ankle injury.

The same holds for Lonnie Walker IV, who is dealing with lower body issues.

The Hornets, however, will also be without Kelly Oubre Jr., who will miss his second-straight game and third overall this season after spraining his hand and re-aggravating it against the Oklahoma City last Thursday, December 29.

Dennis Smith Jr. is also questionable against the Lakers with an ankle injury.

The Lakers-Hornets will tip off at 7:00 PM ET with the Purple and Gold holding a -1 spread against the Hornets +1.

The game will be aired on BSSE and SportsNet LA.