Lakers and Hornets Set for Make-Up Game with New Faces in the Spotlight
The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets will meet Wednesday night in a rescheduled matchup, making up for their postponed January 9th contest. The original game was delayed due to the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area. Now, both teams return from the All-Star break with new lineups, fresh concerns, and a lot to prove as the season heads into its final stretch.
Doncic Brings New Energy to Lakers
The biggest storyline for the Lakers is the addition of superstar Luka Doncic, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks on February 2. The move sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Doncic, shaking up the Western Conference landscape. Doncic, who missed several weeks with a calf injury before his arrival, has appeared in just two games with the Lakers so far—both against the Utah Jazz. He showed flashes of his usual brilliance, scoring 14 points in his debut win on February 10 and adding 16 points in a loss last week.
Despite the limited action, Doncic’s arrival has rejuvenated the Lakers. LeBron James spoke highly of his new teammate during All-Star weekend, emphasizing the excitement he feels about their potential.
“To add a generational player like Luka to this franchise gives me a new kind of energy,” James said. “We’ve only had a couple of games together, but I’m eager to see where we can go. Once he’s fully back in rhythm, I think we can be really dangerous.”
James, however, is nursing soreness in his left foot and ankle—an issue that kept him out of Sunday’s All-Star Game. He is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday’s contest, though the Lakers remain hopeful that he’ll be available.
Hornets Struggling, But Ball’s Return Provides Hope
While the Lakers have won 10 of their last 12 games, the Hornets find themselves in a much different position. Charlotte has dropped nine of their last ten contests and entered the break on a three-game losing streak. Injuries, particularly to star guard LaMelo Ball, have been a major factor.
Ball has played in just two games since late January, both cut short by ankle issues. He left after nine minutes in a January 27 loss to the Lakers and reinjured his other ankle on February 10 against the Brooklyn Nets. However, Ball is listed as probable for Wednesday, providing a much-needed boost for a team that has struggled mightily without him.
The Hornets are 1-17 this season in games Ball has missed, underlining his importance to their success. Despite not being named an All-Star, the 22-year-old has put up impressive numbers, averaging 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over 33 games.
Failed Trade Leaves Mark Williams Back in the Mix
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup is the aftermath of a collapsed trade between the two teams before the February deadline. The Hornets and Lakers had agreed on a deal that would have sent center Mark Williams to Los Angeles in exchange for forward Cam Reddish and rookie Dalton Knecht. However, Williams failed his physical in Los Angeles, nullifying the trade and leaving all parties in limbo.
Williams is now expected to return to action for the first time since the deal fell through. The Hornets released a statement welcoming him back, emphasizing their belief in his talent and work ethic.
“We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character,” the statement read. “We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position.”
Williams will be looking for redemption after struggling in his last outing against the Lakers in January, when Anthony Davis dominated with 42 points and 23 rebounds. With Davis now in Dallas, Williams faces a different challenge in Doncic and the restructured Lakers lineup.
A Fresh Start After the Break
Both teams see this rescheduled game as an opportunity to start the second half of the season strong. The Lakers are eager to build chemistry between James and Doncic, while the Hornets are hoping a healthier lineup can reignite their campaign. With Ball and Williams back on the floor, and Doncic finding his rhythm in purple and gold, all eyes will be on this intriguing midweek showdown in Los Angeles.
