Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Look to Rebound Against the Lakers in Los Angeles

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) guards Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) guards Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a loss to the Clippers, the Charlotte Hornets stayed in Los Angeles and now they will look to bounce back against the Lakers.

The Charlotte Hornets (25-34) are set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (19-41) as they attempt to rebound from a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. This will be the fourth game of the team’s current six-game road trip. Steve Clifford’s side is looking to turn things around as they attempt to make a playoff push in the second half of the season.

In their last game, the Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs at home, 119-98. Los Angeles’ is in the midst of a four-game losing streak as they have lost 15 of their last 19 matches in total. They have not won at home since January 31st and have not recorded a win since returning to action after the all-star break. This actually works in their favor because LA has made it clear that they are looking to tank this season.

This will be the second and final meeting between the two sides this season with the Hornets winning the previous outing on December 20th in Charlotte, 117-113. With a win, the visiting team will sweep the season series. With both of these squads struggling, a win could do a lot for the confidence and team morale of the victors.

More from Swarm and Sting

Charlotte Hornets @ Los Angeles Lakers

10:30 p.m. EST, Tuesday, February 28th, 2017

Staples Center

Broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast and NBA TV

Injury Report:

CHA:

OUT – Ramon Sessions (left knee surgery), missed last nine games (2/4 – 2/26)
OUT – Miles Plumlee (right calf strain), missed last four games (2/15 – 2/26)
QUESTIONABLE – Cody Zeller (quad soreness), missed last six games (2/11 – 2/26) QUESTIONABLE – Marvin Williams (right shoulder strain)

LAL:

None

Biggest Story:

Streak Against the Lakers

The Hornets have won four consecutive regular season games against the Lakers with their last loss coming in the 2014-15 season. After sweeping the season series last year, Charlotte will be looking to do the same this time around. Those victories have come by an average of 8.5 points.

Matchup to Watch:

Kemba Walker vs D’Angelo Russell

There is no doubting Kemba’s skill as he has consistently been the Hornets’ best player this season. Walker’s leading the team in scoring at 22.7 points per game this season. Charlotte will only go as far as their all-star point guard takes them but he needs more help for the team to be successful.

Next: Buzz City Beat: Hornets' Most Important Player

After trading away their leading scorer in Lou Williams at the trade deadline this season, Russell then moved into that spot as the Lakers’ leading scorer averaging 14.6 points per game. D’Angelo’s only in his second season but is making improvements. While he isn’t yet an all-star type player, slowing him down is essential for Kemba and the Charlotte Hornets.

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