Following a frustrating and flat performance in Saturday’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers continue their five-game road trip on Monday night as they face the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.
Location: Spectrum Center (Charlotte, NC)
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Tip-Off: 4:00 PM ET
Broadcast: NBA League Pass
A Chance for Redemption
The Lakers were outplayed and outworked in Atlanta, even with Luka Doncic available. The effort level, decision-making, and defensive urgency were lacking from the opening tip, leaving head coach JJ Redick visibly frustrated throughout the night.
Now, Los Angeles has a chance to reset against a short-handed Hornets squad that will be without its top two players: LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
On paper, the Lakers hold the advantage in talent, depth, and recent performance. But the lesson from Atlanta was clear:
You cannot walk onto the floor expecting to win in the NBA — regardless of the opponent.
If the Lakers want to avoid back-to-back letdowns, the focus must be sharper, the pace must be higher, and the defensive rotations must tighten.
Charlotte enters the matchup with a 3–6 record, but plays fast and scrappy, especially at home.
Road Trip Continues
This matchup marks Game 2 of a five-game road trip, with stops remaining against:
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Milwaukee Bucks
The Lakers will not return to Crypto.com Arena until November 18, when they host the Utah Jazz.
This stretch will test the team’s maturity, conditioning, and composure.
Possible Return for Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has been sidelined since November 2 due to a mild groin strain. An MRI taken Friday confirmed no structural damage, which was considered an encouraging sign.
The team held him out against Atlanta for precautionary reasons, but there is growing optimism inside the organization that Reaves could make his return tonight.
Meanwhile, the Lakers remain without:
- LeBron James (sciatica)
- Adou Thiero (ankle)
- Gabe Vincent (knee)
Reaves’ return would add stability, playmaking, and spacing — all of which were missing on Saturday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Los Angeles LakersCharlotte HornetsMarcus SmartMiles BridgesLuka DoncicCollin SextonRui HachimuraRyan KalkbrennerDeandre AytonTyler KnueppelAustin Reaves (questionable / probable)Seth James
Key to the Game
The Lakers don’t need perfection.
They just need effort.
If they reclaim their defensive focus and respect the opponent from the start, this is a game they should control.
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