The Charlotte Hornets may currently be out of the playoff picture, but they’ve played solid basketball as of late, and they’ll look to stay competitive against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
LaMelo Ball has taken an aggressive approach on offense in recent contests, and my Hornets vs Lakers predictions expect him to put up points on the road.
Here are my best free NBA picks for what should be a high-scoring showdown at crypto.com Arena on Thursday, January 15.
Hornets vs Lakers prediction
Hornets vs Lakers best bet: LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points (-120)
Since returning from a three-game absence, LaMelo Ball has averaged 20.9 points across his last 14 appearances. Ball has reached 19 points in 14 of 30 games this season, but eight have come in that 14-game span.
Since December 18, Ball has averaged 4.4 triples and knocked down at least four treys in nine of 14 games, including four of his last seven on the road. The Los Angeles Lakers have allowed the 12th-most 3-pointers (13.5) and the seventh-highest 3-point percentage (37.1) to opponents.
Across his last four games, Ball has averaged 22.5 points on 20 field-goal attempts after attempting 16.5 field goals per game in 26 previous contests.
The Lakers got their offense going in a rout of the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, and I expect them to keep that momentum going tonight. Ball will need to keep looking for his shot for the Charlotte Hornets to keep pace with LA.
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Hornets vs Lakers same-game parlay
Kon Knueppel is knocking down 3.4 triples per game this season, including 3.8 on the road. He's hit 4+ in 20 of 39 games overall and 13 of 21 away from Spectrum Center.
Each team has hit the Over in two straight, and with the scrappy Hornets back to full strength, I expect plenty of points. The teams have combined to average 232.6 points per game this season, so an average performance on both sides will cash the Over.
Hornets vs Lakers SGP
- LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points
- Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
- Over 232.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Quick-Draw Doncic
Luka Doncic leads the Association in 1Q points per game at 11.6, and he's reached 9+ in the opening frame 20 times in 31 appearances. He's done that in 14 of 17 home games
Hornets vs Lakers SGP
- LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points
- Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
- Over 232.5
- Luka Doncic Over 8.5 1Q points
Hornets vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Hornets +4 (-110) | Lakers -4 (-110)
- Moneyline: Hornets +150 | Lakers -180
- Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Hornets vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the Game Total Over in 14 of their last 18 games at home (+9.60 Units / 48% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Lakers.
How to watch Hornets vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Southeast-Charlotte, Spectrum SportsNet |
Hornets vs Lakers latest injuries
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