Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions January 9th 2025

Lakers Look to Regroup at Home Against Hornets Amid Wildfire Concerns

The Los Angeles Lakers return to their home court Thursday night to face the Charlotte Hornets, but the game will take place under the somber shadow of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The fires have already caused disruptions, with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings postponing their Wednesday game at Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers also play.

Wildfires Impact Lakers’ Preparation

Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that his home in Pacific Palisades had been evacuated due to the wildfires, highlighting the personal toll on the team. “It’s where I live. My family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister,” Redick said. “They’ve evacuated. I know there are a lot of people freaking out right now, including my family.”

NBA Picks You Can Trust! Get today’s NBA basketball consensus picks for confident betting.

Despite the off-court challenges, the Lakers aim to focus on basketball as they prepare for a nine-game stretch in California, including seven games at home.

Lakers Seek to Regain Momentum

Los Angeles (18-11) enters the matchup on a two-game losing streak, having dropped games to the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers struggled to maintain energy and competitiveness in Tuesday’s 118-97 loss to the Mavericks. LeBron James nearly recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 15 points but just one assist.

Redick admitted that the Lakers looked fatigued: “I don’t think it was a competitive level. They were the tougher team and dictated the game to us versus vice versa.”

Reaves has been a bright spot, averaging 22.6 points and 9.1 assists over his last seven games, a testament to his increased role in the offense.

Hornets Snap Losing Streak

The Charlotte Hornets (8-23) come into the game with a bit of relief, having ended a 10-game losing streak with a 115-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. LaMelo Ball, a Los Angeles native, led the way with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Miles Bridges chipped in 21 points.

Charlotte’s victory came despite shooting just 38.8 percent from the field, as they capitalized on 26 made free throws, a season-high.

Head coach Charles Lee emphasized the importance of building on their recent success: “We just have to sustain it for four quarters. We need to continue to just stack good days over good days and we’ll come out on the other side of all of it.”

Looking For The Best NBA Odds And Picks?

Start Winning Today!

Join Now!

Key Matchups to Watch

1. LeBron James vs. LaMelo Ball
   Ball has averaged 23.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in five career games against the Lakers and will look to shine in his hometown. James will lead the Lakers in their effort to bounce back and protect home court.
2. Austin Reaves’ Playmaking
   Reaves’ emergence as a playmaker will be crucial, especially if the Lakers hope to exploit Charlotte’s 2-14 road record.
3. Hornets’ Starting Five Stability
   The Hornets have only played their expected starting five three times this season. If LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges continue to gel, Charlotte could pose a greater challenge than their record suggests.

Outlook

With the backdrop of the wildfires adding emotional weight, the Lakers will look to regroup and take advantage of a favorable home schedule. For the Hornets, building on their win over the Suns could signal the start of better days, but their poor road performance remains a significant hurdle. Both teams have plenty to prove, making this a compelling matchup despite the off-court challenges.