The Los Angeles Lakers will be nearly at full strength as they face the Charlotte Hornets tonight at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic is available to play his third game since joining the team in a blockbuster trade, while LeBron James is listed as questionable with left foot soreness.
Maxi Kleber remains out for the Lakers as he continues recovering from right foot surgery. Meanwhile, Charlotte has several key players sidelined, including Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, Josh Okogie, and Grant Williams. Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball are listed as probable.
Tonight’s matchup comes after a unique trade situation between the two teams. The Lakers initially attempted to acquire Mark Williams to provide Doncic with a strong interior presence but rescinded the deal after Williams failed his medical examination. The trade also involved Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.
The Lakers have been in strong form, winning 12 of their last 15 games and going 1-1 since Doncic joined the lineup. The Hornets, on the other hand, have struggled, sitting at 13-39 and losing nine of their last ten games.
Charlotte’s injury list further complicates its chances against Los Angeles, which is pushing for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. If James is cleared to play, the Lakers will have another opportunity to integrate Doncic alongside their full lineup.
