Lakers Primed for Success Against Hornets Despite Recent Slip-Up
LOS ANGELES – Following a shaky start against the Miami Heat and a decisive loss to the atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers appear well-positioned to rebound against the Charlotte Hornets, according to analysis from Establish The Run. The Lakers’ offensive strategy, heavily reliant on pick-and-roll (PNR) plays, aligns favorably with the Hornets’ defensive vulnerabilities, despite Charlotte’s own frequent use of PNR on offense.
The Lakers boast the league’s third-ranked halfcourt offense, executing PNR plays on a league-leading 83.3% of possessions and ranking first in points and points per possession (PPP) on those plays. While the Hornets are a solid PNR handler defense, they struggle significantly in halfcourt defense, allowing opponents to score easily at the basket. Notably, the Lakers rarely utilize catch-and-shoot opportunities, averaging just 19.9 per game – the lowest in the NBA – which further emphasizes thier PNR focus.
Key player observations highlight potential advantages for both teams. Lakers forward Kon Knueppel is focused on making impactful plays, while Kalkbrenner is described as a “dual threat.” Matchups favor deandre Ayton and Collin Sexton,with Kon Knueppel,Miles Bridges,and Luka Doncic considered good matchups. currently, no matchups are considered unfavorable.
The analysis also notes a recent downturn in the Lakers’ transition defense following a strong start to the season. However, the Hornets present multiple avenues for offensive production, setting the stage for a perhaps high-scoring contest.
