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Coming fresh off of a blowout 133-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Charlotte Hornets Friday night with the hope of notching their first home win since late November.
The Lakers have lost seven straight games, the longest losing streak this season and only a game shy of their longest losing streak last season, but with Lonzo Ball expected to make his return to the floor tonight, that could change soon.
Los Angeles are 0-6 in games Ball hasn’t played this season and that’s no coincidence. Despite his lackluster shooting numbers, Ball’s impact on the floor can be best scene when he’s not on it. In games that Lonzo has a positive box plus-minus, the Lakers are 13-0. He’s one of the team’s better defenders and can get other guys going offensively when his shots aren’t falling.
If Lonzo Ball plays tonight, the Lakers will have a fully healthy 15-man roster at their disposal for the first time since mid-December, before Brook Lopez went down with an ankle injury. Lopez made his return for the Lakers Wednesday and came off the bench for the first time this season.
It’s unclear whether or not head coach Luke Walton will go back to his usual starters if everyone is available, but one thing is for certain — Lonzo Ball needs to start.
Enjoy the game!
Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet