Lakers Favored at Hornets With LeBron Out, Reaves Questionable

Extensive injuries on both rosters steer rotations, elevating expectations of a high-scoring Lakers edge.

Overview

Tipoff is 7 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center as Los Angeles looks to rebound from an opening road-trip loss in Atlanta.
The Lakers are 7-3 and the Hornets are 3-6 entering Monday’s matchup.
Los Angeles lists LeBron James, Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero out with Austin Reaves questionable; Charlotte rules out LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Green and Grant Williams with Miles Bridges questionable.
Sportsbooks price the Lakers around -7 to -7.5 with totals generally in the low 230s, and SportsLine projections lean to the over.
With James sidelined, Luka Dončić has carried the offense with roughly 37 points, 10 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game, while Charlotte has leaned on rookie Kon Knueppel after a career-high 30.