The Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets are set to meet again, continuing a pattern of close, unpredictable games between the two teams. Their matchups over the past year have been marked by narrow finishes, standout performances, and shifting team dynamics that keep both fan bases guessing.
In their last two meetings, each team managed a win. The Lakers took a 112-107 victory early in the year, largely thanks to a dominant showing from Anthony Davis, who scored 42 points and grabbed 23 rebounds. Not long after, the Hornets answered back with a 100-97 win, led by Miles Bridges’ 29 points and LaMelo Ball’s 27. The alternating results have made this pairing one of the more interesting cross-conference matchups to follow, even without a formal rivalry between the franchises.
Heading into their November 2025 game, both teams have reasons to feel confident but cautious. The Lakers remain a veteran-heavy roster that relies on star power, while the Hornets continue to find identity and rhythm through their younger core.
The Lakers’ Season So Far
The Lakers have faced a season filled with adjustments, rotations, and the balancing act that comes with maintaining veteran players’ health. Anthony Davis remains the centerpiece of their game plan, anchoring both defense and inside scoring. His performances have been consistent, with a mix of high-scoring nights and defensive dominance.
LeBron James continues to play a major role, though the team’s strategy often focuses on pacing his minutes to preserve energy for late-season pushes. Los Angeles has also worked to improve spacing and ball movement, aiming to create more consistent offense beyond their stars.
One storyline to watch involves the team’s frontcourt depth. Earlier in the season, the Lakers attempted to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams in a trade that was later rescinded due to medical concerns. That episode highlighted a need for reliable backup size and rim protection, areas that could influence their approach against Charlotte’s quick guards and versatile forwards.
Charlotte’s Youth and Energy
The Hornets have leaned into their youth this season, using fast-paced offense and high-energy defense to stay competitive in games. LaMelo Ball remains the team’s central playmaker, combining creativity with an improving outside shot. His chemistry with Miles Bridges has been a consistent strength, particularly in transition, where both players thrive on quick scoring opportunities.
Charlotte’s recent win over the Lakers showed how effective this duo can be when they control tempo. Their ability to push the ball and challenge defenses early in the shot clock forced Los Angeles to adapt. While the Hornets don’t yet have the consistency of a playoff team, their talent gives them the ability to compete with more established rosters on any given night.
The Hornets’ biggest challenge continues to be depth and experience. Younger players often shoulder heavy minutes, and defensive lapses in late-game situations have cost them leads. Still, their energy and offensive creativity make them a threat against teams that struggle to match pace.
Key Matchups to Watch
The battle inside remains one of the defining aspects of Lakers-Hornets games. Anthony Davis’ size and skill often create mismatches, but the Hornets counter with athleticism and double-team pressure. Charlotte’s success depends on limiting Davis’ touches near the rim and forcing Los Angeles to rely on perimeter shots.
On the other end, LaMelo Ball’s ability to control tempo could test the Lakers’ defense. When Ball finds rhythm early, his passing creates open looks for teammates across the floor. Los Angeles typically responds with switching defenses and zone adjustments to disrupt his flow, though that opens opportunities for Bridges and shooters like Brandon Miller.
Bench production will also play a critical role. The Lakers’ second unit has shown improvement, particularly in defensive intensity. However, the Hornets’ reserves have provided sparks through hustle plays and fast-break points, which could shift momentum in stretches when starters rest.
What’s at Stake
While the game doesn’t carry playoff implications this early in the season, it offers both teams a chance to set a tone. For Los Angeles, it’s an opportunity to prove consistency after a string of uneven performances. For Charlotte, it’s a measuring stick—an indicator of how well their developing roster performs against a team built around championship experience.
The Lakers’ veterans are expected to take a steady approach, focusing on limiting turnovers and maintaining defensive discipline. For the Hornets, keeping composure in tight situations will be key. Their previous win against the Lakers came through smart shot selection and late-game resilience—skills they’ll need to repeat if they hope to leave Los Angeles with another victory.
Regardless of the outcome, both teams are navigating different stages of their development. The Lakers are managing longevity while aiming for another deep playoff run. The Hornets are building confidence and chemistry that could define their future seasons.
