The Los Angeles Lakers are set to cap off their six-game road trip tonight, set to take on the Charlotte Hornets. As they aim to continue the positive momentum generated from recent victories against the Celtics and the Knicks, they have listed both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles) as questionable for tonight’s game. On paper, this is a straightforward victory for an in-form Lakers side. But practically, it may not be that simple.

Nagging injuries have arguably been the Lakers’ most formidable opponent this season. They’ve had a topsy-turvy 2023/24 campaign up until now, struggling to find wins consistently. This has led to growing speculations about LeBron James’ immediate future. However, his agent, Rich Paul, has denied such rumors, suggesting that LeBron is focused on finishing the season strongly with the Lakers. In light of this, his next challenge awaits.

The game between the Lakers and the Hornets is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Despite both James and Anthony Davis being listed as questionable against the Knicks, the stars played significant minutes on Saturday. So, it’s likely they’ll feature against the Hornets as well.

Davis has played in 47 games, averaging 24.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest, shooting 55.1% from the field and 30.9% from the three-point range. James has played in 45 games and is averaging 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, shooting 52.0% from the field and 39.8% from the three-point range.

Apart from the probable absences of LeBron and AD, the Lakers will also miss Jarred Vanderbilt’s services. The 24-year-old forward suffered a non-contact foot injury against the Celtics on February 1. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “Jarred Vanderbilt suffered what was described to me as a significant right foot injury. There’s concern that he could be lost for the rest of the season.” The Lakers will also be without Cam Reddish (ankle) and Gabe Vincent (left knee) for the game against Charlotte.

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Predicted Lineups: Hornets vs Lakers

The Lakers go into the game as huge favorites to claim a victory against an out-of-sorts Hornets side. LA could make light work of a Hornets side that has only secured two wins in their last ten games. Despite the Lakers’ listing them as questionable, there’s a high probability of both LeBron and AD starting the game. The Lakers could start the game with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Taurean Prince, and Anthony Davis.

The Charlotte Hornets have had a horrid 2023/24 season so far. They remain rooted near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with a 10-38 record. The Hornets have no hopes of making it to the postseason and now have entered a rebuilding phase after trading Terry Rozier to the Heat. They could begin the match with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Bryce McGowens, Miles Bridges, and Nick Richards.

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