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

2. Terry Rozier

While there have been some struggles for the Los Angeles Lakers thus far this season, one thing they have excelled at is slowing down opposing point guards. Patrick Beverley shot 1-of-7 against, then Mike Conley shot 3-of-11 in the following game. Now, the Lakers will be facing off with the Hornets’ marquee free agent acquisition, Terry Rozier.

The Hornets and Rozier agreed to a three-year, $58 million deal during free agency this summer. Rozier took a backseat during the 2018-19 season behind Kyrie Irving after helping the team during the 2017-18 season overcome Irving being sidelined.

Rozier had a career season during the 2017-18 campaign but struggled when put back into a smaller role. Charlotte is hoping he regains some of that 2018 magic. The Lakers are hoping that it doesn’t start-up against them.

Through two games, Rozier has shown just how polar his game to be. In the opener, he shot 2-of-10 for seven points, adding six assists and four rebounds in 30 minutes, along with four turnovers. In the second game, in only 18 minutes against the Bulls, Rozier double-doubled with 10 points and 10 assists, knocking down 4-of-6 from the field.

If Avery Bradley and Danny Green can contain Rozier as they have Beverley and Conley already, the Lakers will diminish the Hornets’ chances of winning the game.