Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets: 4 players to watch for in Game 3

Here are four players to keep an eye on during the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.

The Los Angeles Lakers picked up their first victory of the 2019-20 NBA season by defeating the Utah Jazz at the STAPLES Center on Friday evening. While not the cleanest game, it was an improvement from the season opener against the LA Clipper and get them into the win column.

Now, the Lakers will look to build some momentum and take advantage of their soft early-season schedule. Los Angeles will look to make it two straight victories tonight as they host the Charlotte Hornets in the second game of their three-game homestand.

Charlott enters the game with a 1-1 record to begin the season. After pulling out a one-point win over the Chicago Bulls on their opening night, they were throttled by Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2.

This was expected to be a difficult season in the Queen City. After losing Kemba Walker in free agency, Michael Jordan’s team is staring down a lengthy rebuild. They do have some intriguing youngsters that will bring it every night, so the Lakers cannot take this game easily. If they come out sluggish, it will give the Hornets confidence and they could ride that to an upset victory.

This is the first of a four-game road trip for Charlotte, as they will do the California circuit by facing off with the Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors following tonight’s game against the Lakers.

This is a game the Lakers just cannot afford to lose. They need to come out ready to play. The earlier they put the young Hornets away, the better.

Here are four players to watch for during the matchup between the Hornets and Lakers.