Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions February 19th 2025

Hornets Will Face Lakers with Luka Doncic in Rescheduled Game

The Los Angeles Lakers and visiting Charlotte Hornets will return from the All-Star break earlier than previously planned when the teams meet for a make-up game Wednesday.

Game Rescheduled Due to Wildfires

Originally scheduled for Jan. 9, the game was postponed due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Now, the rescheduled matchup presents a different challenge for Charlotte, as they will face a Lakers squad featuring Luka Doncic, who was acquired by Los Angeles on Feb. 2.

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Doncic’s Impact on the Lakers

Doncic has played two games with his new team, both against the Utah Jazz. He scored 14 points in a home victory over the Jazz on Feb. 10 and 16 points in a road loss last Wednesday. Both games came after he missed a month and a half with a calf injury.

Despite the loss last week, Los Angeles has won 10 of its past 12 games. Star LeBron James is so focused on the remaining two months of the season that he sat out Sunday’s All-Star festivities with soreness in his left foot and ankle but is expected to play against the Hornets.

“… To add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it’s something that’s given me energy,” James said during All-Star weekend. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do. We only had two games so far, and I believe he’s been on a minutes restriction since he came back from the calf.”

Charlotte’s Struggles and Injury Concerns

The Hornets limped into the break on a three-game losing streak, having dropped nine of their last 10 contests and 11 of 13 since Jan. 22. Included in those defeats was a 112-107 home loss to the Lakers on Jan. 27.

In that previous meeting, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball played just nine minutes before exiting with a left ankle injury. Ball has played in just two games since, including one on Feb. 10 against the Brooklyn Nets when he left early with a right ankle injury.

Despite his absence from the All-Star game, Ball has been averaging 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 33 games. His presence is crucial for the Hornets, as they have lost 17 of the 18 games when he has been out.

Trade Fallout and Mark Williams’ Return

The Hornets and Lakers had agreed on a trade before the deadline, but Charlotte big man Mark Williams failed his physical in Los Angeles, nullifying the deal that would have sent Cam Reddish and rookie Dalton Knecht to Charlotte.

If Williams plays Wednesday, it will be his first game since the trade was called off.

“We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character,” the Hornets said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

Williams scored 11 points with eight rebounds in last month’s loss to the Lakers but struggled to contain Anthony Davis, who had 42 points and 23 rebounds in that game. Davis was sent to the Dallas Mavericks in the trade for Doncic.

What’s at Stake?

With the Lakers surging and Charlotte looking to regain momentum, this game will serve as a crucial test for both teams. The Hornets hope Ball’s return will provide the spark they need, while the Lakers aim to continue integrating Doncic into their system.