Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Predictions November 10th 2025

Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview

The Charlotte Hornets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night at the Spectrum Center, where both teams aim to rebound from recent losses. The Lakers dropped their first road game of the season in Atlanta, while the Hornets were overwhelmed early in Miami. With Charlotte’s defense allowing 121.0 points per game, Los Angeles may find the perfect setting to recalibrate its offense.

Line Movement and Odds

• Lakers Spread: -7.5 (-110)
• Hornets Spread: +7.5 (-111)
• Lakers MoneyLine: -284
• Hornets MoneyLine: +234
• Total: 229.5 (-111)

The Lakers opened as 7.5-point favorites, with the total set at 229.5. The line reflects Charlotte’s defensive struggles and L.A.’s offensive ceiling, even without LeBron James. See full NBA odds for market movement.

Matchup Breakdown

Luka Dončić continues to carry the load, averaging 37.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 9.5 assists. Despite a quiet night in Atlanta (22 points), he remains the engine of the league’s most efficient offense — the Lakers lead the NBA in FG% (51.3%) and 2PT% (62.2%). Jarred Vanderbilt pulled down 18 rebounds in the loss, and Marcus Smart has provided steady two-way play. With Austin Reaves (groin) nearing a return and LeBron James still sidelined, L.A. will lean on its depth and shooting to bounce back.

Charlotte Hornets Outlook

Rookie Kon Knueppel has emerged as a bright spot, scoring 20+ in three straight games, including 30 against Miami. Tre Mann added 20 points and 9 boards, while Ryan Kalkbrenner continues to impress defensively. The Hornets rank 7th in pace and 8th in made threes (14.6/game), but their defense remains a liability. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Collin Sexton (neck) remain day-to-day, and Charlotte’s lack of perimeter containment has led to early deficits and high opponent scoring.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

Charlotte must limit turnovers and contest L.A.’s midrange and interior looks. If Knueppel and Mann stay hot and the Hornets push pace, they can keep it close. The Lakers will look to dominate inside and exploit Charlotte’s defensive rotations, especially if Dončić gets downhill early.

Injuries / Availability

Charlotte lists LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Collin Sexton (neck) as questionable. For full updates, check the Hornets injury report.

Los Angeles remains without LeBron James (sciatica), while Austin Reaves (groin) is nearing a return. See the Lakers injury report for latest status.

Environment

The game tips off at the Spectrum Center, where Charlotte is 2-2 this season. The Lakers are 4-1 on the road and begin the second leg of a five-game trip. Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of transition opportunities and perimeter shooting.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Lakers 120, Hornets 115

• Best Bet: Hornets +7.5
  Charlotte’s pace and offensive rebounding could keep them within the number, especially if Dončić rests late.
• Total: Over 229.5
  Both teams allow over 117 PPG, and the Hornets’ defensive lapses suggest a high-scoring affair.

The Lakers should bounce back, but Charlotte’s tempo and recent scoring trends make them a live underdog. The over is supported by both teams’ defensive metrics and pace of play.

Handicappers and Service Plays

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