Game 41: 03/18/21 Hornets at Lakers GAME THREAD

[KobeMVP888]

(20-19) HORNETS AT LAKERS (27-13)

Thursday, March 18, 2021, 7:30 PM PDT
Staples Center • Los Angeles, CA

Referees: Josh Tiven (#58), Mark Ayotte (#56), Haywoode Workman (#66)

Replay Center: Tre Maddox, Phenizee Ransom

Line: Lakers -8.0
O/U: 225

National TV: NBA TV
Local TV: Spectrum SportsNet



GAME PREVIEW: HORNETS AT LAKERS: Will LeBron James get up to play LaMelo Ball?

by Christian Rivas, @RadRivas, silverscreenandroll.com

There have been moments throughout NBA history where the league’s future stars have gone up against the best of the best, like when Kobe Bryant played his first game against Michael Jordan in 1996 or when LeBron James’ first game against Bryant in 2004. Unfortunately, we won’t be getting another one of those moments when the Los Angeles Lakers host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

Despite Frank Vogel’s promising comments about Alex Caruso’s status on Monday, the Lakers have listed Caruso as out with a mild concussion. Thursday will mark the third game Caruso’s missed due to the concussion he suffered against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

So, instead of getting a memorable matchup between Ball, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and Caruso, the face of the NBA, we’ll have to a settle for a game between Ball and James, who Ball’s brother Lonzo played with during the 2018-19 season. If that doesn’t get you out of your seat, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Ahead of Thursday’s game, Ball was asked whether he was excited to play against James for the first time and his response was “not really.” Now imagine that same question with Caruso, who’s never lost an NBA Finals series, in place of James. You’d likely get a completely different answer.

Fortunately for Ball, he’ll have one more opportunity to play Caruso before the season ends on April 13, when the Lakers will visit Charlotte for the first and only time this season. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope Caruso is available then.

Notes and updates

- Kostas Antetokounmpo (health and safety protocols), Alex Caruso (mild concussion), Anthony Davis (right calf strain), Jared Dudley (right MCL tear) and Marc Gasol (health and safety protocols) are out.

- LeBron James (sore left ankle) and Markieff Morris (right knee contusion) are probable.

https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/202 ... homecoming

[KobeMVP888]

You gotta read Christian Rivas's preview!

[lakerevolution]

I had a very lengthy, wordy comment all typed out and my phone slipped from my hand and it somehow got erased.

Basically don't let this be a trap or letdown game based on how well we've been executing the past few games. We need as many wins as we can get in AD's absence.

[KobeMVP888]

I had a very lengthy, wordy comment all typed out and my phone slipped from my hand and it somehow got erased.

Basically don't let this be a trap or letdown game based on how well we've been executing the past few games. We need as many wins as we can get in AD's absence.

It's not a trap game; it's a tough game. They're legit.

HAVING SAID THAT, Christian Rivas's entire comedy bit is moot because the Bald Mamba has been cleared to play tonight. The pressure is OFF The King!

[lakerevolution]

Not that we beat a "good" team, but we did enough defensively. KCP should still be getting more buckets, and letting LaMelo put up that stat line is not great. Next.

[KobeMVP888]

Not that we beat a "good" team, but we did enough defensively. KCP should still be getting more buckets, and letting LaMelo put up that stat line is not great. Next.

Melo -15; THT +16 'nuf said. (never mind GOAT @ACFresh21 +10)

[lakerevolution]

Not that we beat a "good" team, but we did enough defensively. KCP should still be getting more buckets, and letting LaMelo put up that stat line is not great. Next.

Melo -15; THT +16 'nuf said. (never mind GOAT @ACFresh21 +10)

Cue Will Smith Concussion