Does Ball also convince against the Lakers?
The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers face each other for the second time this season. The home side won the first meeting 134-130 away from home against head coach Darvin Ham’s side just a fortnight ago.
The last home game about a year ago also ended in a win for the basketball players from the “Tar Heel State”. For Charlotte’s next edition against the Lakers, a tip and betting odds follow!
Charlotte Hornets – Statistics & current form
The Hornets are only ranked second to last in the East. Furthermore, head coach Steve Clifford’s team cannot rely on a home advantage: Charlotte have won just five of their 17 home matches.
However, LaMelo Ball is a positive bright spot. The point guard has been back in the squad since mid-December and has since acted as the home side’s clear best scorer. In the past month, he has averaged around 25 points per game.
LA Lakers – Statistics & current form
LA continues to be without its top forward Anthony Davis. AD injured himself in the middle of last month and will miss a few more games. The timing of the ‘brow’s’ absence particularly hurt the Lakers as Davis had previously been in captivating form.
The gap in the forward play must now be filled primarily by LeBron James. LBJ is also doing justice to the increased workload: The small forward, who turned 36 a few days ago, has recorded at least 30 points in eight of the past ten games!
Lakers on the decline
However, the recent record of the West Coast outfit is still weak: Only two wins from the last seven games are not very pleasing for the record champions and they are only in third last place in the Western Conference.
Charlotte Hornets – LA Lakers Tip
When the Charlotte Hornets and LA Lakers meet on 03.01.2023, the best bet is a double-double by LaMelo Ball on the home side.
The guard is in very good form at the moment, not only in scoring but also in assists and rebounds.
The 21-year-old has scored in double figures in three of the past seven games and has also provided his teammates with successful assists.
In addition, he also achieved this feat three times in terms of rebounds and points within this flashback. In total, Ball had a double-double in five of the past seven games.