Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets: Game 3 preview, television and gambling information

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets at the STAPLES Center and we have all the information you need to enjoy the game!

The Los Angeles Lakers sent fans home happy in their season opener on Friday night. After losing at the STAPLES Center in the season opener as a visitor against the LA Clippers, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in their second game of the season.

The defense got the job done against Utah, as they won the game 95-86. LeBron James led the way with a dominant performance, scoring 32 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists to go along with only one turnover.

Tonight, the Lakers will look to keep the wins coming as they host the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte enters tonight’s game with a 1-1 record, as they won opening night against the Chicago Bulls before getting hammered by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If there is one area the Lakers have a clear advantage is in the frontcourt. PJ Washington has had a strong start to his career, but opposing frontcourt players have feasted against the Hornets the first two games of the season.

Lauri Markkanen scored 35 points with 17 rebounds in 34 minutes. He could have had an even bigger night had he shot better from the 3-point line, where he made only 1-of-7. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated even more, as he scored 37 points with 15 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks in only 28 minutes. Anthony Davis is licking his chops to get out there against this Hornets team.

Tonight is the first game of a four-game California trip for the Hornets, as they will play the Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors following the matchup with the Lakers.

This is a game that the Lakers need to win. Charlotte is projected by many to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season. With the Western Conference looking as loaded as ever, the Lakers need to beat up on the weaker teams from the Eastern Conference to pad their win totals.