Tonight, the Lakers routed the Hornets.

The Lakers had something to prove to themselves after the tough loss to Houston. Things didn’t swing their way at any point, but the game was close until mid-way through the 4th quarter.

Lonzo Ball started early with a couple of drive and dump offs to JaVale McGee. The Lakers were out and running, due to Lonzo’s active defense.

After the initial stint with the starting lineup, there were mismatches that the Hornets took advantage of. Miles Bridges scored a quick 9 points on JaVale McGee. He finished an and-1 and knocked down two consecutive three-pointers, leading to a time out. Malik Monk got himself going around screens, while Tony Parker did a solid job keeping the offense involved.

Despite Charlotte cutting into the early 10-point lead by the Lakers, Lonzo Ball entered halftime +8 with both the starting and bench units. Kuzma led the team at +9.

At halftime in Charlotte, LAL have a 57-50 lead, riding 18 points, 7 boards and 5 assists from @KingJames, plus 6 points, 5 assists, 4 boards and 4 steals from @ZO2_. LAL held CHA to 42% FG’s.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 16, 2018

The Lakers came out firing in the 3rd quarter.

Lonzo Ball hit back-to-back 3-pointers. Kyle Kuzma hit another three that bounced in. Lonzo’s confidence was going after a great first half, capped off with this highlight.

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The Lakers locked down the Hornets defensively. Midway through the 3rd quarter, they were shooting 38 percent as a team. The Lakers led by 22 points with 6:01 left to go. Kemba Walker couldn’t get himself going. Lonzo did a great job defensively, but Kemba still had multiple open mid-range looks that just didn’t drop.

From there on out, the Lakers kept expanding the lead. With 2:00 left in the games, the Lakers had a 33 point lead, further expanded by the end of bench unit. Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga, and Ivica Zubac played extended minutes to close the game.

Three Observations

Lonzo Ball got his confidence going early. He was attacking off the dribble, drawing the defense, and setting up McGee. His defensive effort was stellar, capped off with 4 steals by halftime. Walker couldn’t get himself going, and Lonzo trailed him around every screens. Any positive result for Lonzo Ball early, builds his confidence, and unravels his true upside as a player.

Josh Hart finished +30, but he was frustrated every minute on the floor. The plus-minus stat is a reflection of the dominant combined play of both Lonzo Ball and LeBron James. Josh Hart didn’t hit his 1st 3-point field goal until the second half. While Brandon Ingram isn’t the easiest fit with the starting lineup, Josh Hart’s fit isn’t as seamless as it should be. It’s easy to forget he was a slasher at Villanova, more than a perimeter shooter.

The South Bay Laker squad, namely Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga, and Svi Mykhailiuk showed some chemistry playing alongside one another late in the game. The game was practically over mid-way through the 4th quarter. Instead of completely blowing a great lead the Lakers have done in the past, LeBron and Zo were able to basically sit the entire 4th quarter out.

Two Questions

One question that crossed my mind is, “Should the Lakers start Kentavious Caldwell-Pope?” Josh Hart’s fit isn’t as seamless as originally thought and KCP is more of a perimeter shooter than a slasher. The starting lineup is loaded with slashers in LeBron James and Brandon Ingram (when he returns). Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball have done a good job filling in that role for playmaking and they have excelled. Josh Hart’s offensive aggression may be better suited off the bench, but with extended minutes with both the bench and starting lineups.

Another question that crossed my mind is, “Can Lonzo Ball keep up this defensive energy?” According to NBA.com/stats, along with 5 steals, he had 4 deflections and 9 contested shots. He led the team in steals and deflections and tied with Tyson Chandler and Ivica Zubac with a team leading 9 contested shots. His defensive motor is incredible, regardless of how well he’s doing offensively.

One Prediction

It’s a short flight to Washington D.C. and game time starts at 3pm Pacific time. The Wizards had a day off, but despite the loss to Houston, they’ve been playing well on this road trip. The game at Houston shouldn’t have been as close as it was to the very end. The Hornets game started with a lead, withstood a small scoring run, and the Lakers blew them out in the second half. Lonzo and LeBron should have plenty of rest heading into the Wizards game.

The Lakers do have some problems against great backcourts. It would be nice to have Brandon Ingram to help out against Bradley Beal. It should be a close game, but I do expect the Lakers to keep the Washington Wizards down and not let up.

*Special thanks to @CaChookamanTv on YouTube*