An extremely tough match-up for the Hornets tonight as they take on the defending champion Lakers in Los Angeles. The Hornets are looking for just their second road win of the season, and their first with Jeff Bower as head coach.

The Lakers have all their big guns healthy and have won six straight games, all by double figures. The only consolation is that just one of those six opponents currently has a winning record (OKC at 9-8). Most recently, the Lakers sent the Nets to 0-17 on Sunday night, with Kobe Bryant scoring 30 points in 29 minutes.

The Hornets and Lakers last met on November 8th, with the Lakers cruising to an easy 104-88 win in L.A. Check Ryan’s recap of that game here.

Tonight the Hornets will again be without Chris Paul, though there was word in the Times-Picayune today that CP may return to action within ten days. Meanwhile, Peja Stojakovic has not rejoined the team and so James Posey will get his second consecutive start.

Game tips at 9:30 p.m.

Linkage:

• Rival bloggers: Forum Blue and Gold | LA Times

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