<div align="center"> New Orleans Hornets: 2-22 Los Angeles Lakers: 13-11 Date: Wednesday, December 22nd Time: 7:30 PM TV: FSN, NBALP Previous Games: Hornets @ Clippers 100-91 (LOSS) Grizzlies @ Lakers 82-72 (LOSS) <font size="1">(Byron Scott)</font> C - <font color="mediumturquoise">PJ Brown</font> PF - <font color="mediumturquoise">Chris Andersen</font> SF - <font color="mediumturquoise">George Lynch</font> SG - <font color="mediumturquoise">Junior Harrington</font> PG - <font color="mediumturquoise">David Wesley</font> <font size="4">VS</font> <font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font> C - <font color="Purple">Chris Mihm</font> PF - <font color="Purple">Lamar Odom</font> SF - <font color="Purple">Caron Butler</font> SG - <font color="Purple">Kobe Bryant</font> PG - <font color="Purple">Chucky Atkins</font> HORNETS - <font color="mediumturquoise">Lee Nailon</font> Predicted Stats: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist LAKERS - <font color="purple">Brian Cook</font> Predicted Stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist HORNETS - <font color="mediumturquoise">David Wesley</font> Predicted Stats: 19 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists LAKERS - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> Predicted Stats: 28 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists </div> After losing two straight against the Wizards and the Grizzlies, the Lakers have a chance to win one more time before going head-to-head with the Miami Heat on Christmas. Good thing for the Lakers: this contest is against a disappointing Hornets team, who have been struggling all season long with injuries. The Lakers need to use this time to fine-tune their offensive and defensive strategies before stepping into the Christmas game. Against the Hornets, the Lakers will have to focus on grabbing the defensive boards and setting up others for shots. This relies heavily on two players who need to really step it up: Chucky Atkins and Chris Mihm. Mihm needs to avoid the fouls. We can't have Chris on the bench for the 4th quarter, so getting to the boards quicker and not committing the offensive fouls when the ball is in his hands are two things Mihm needs to think about. Atkins is our true point guard...so it's definitely now or never for Chucky. He needs to start the play...make decisions...make smart passes and effective basket cuts; pretty much everything a point guard is born to do. If not, Rudy T needs Bobbitt in a uniform ASAP (and I still find myself saying this). The Hornets can't let Kobe or Odom enjoy a free ride to the hoop on every play. If this happens, the Lakers will coast to victory. Also, watch out for Brian Cook. He may get hot in this game, and could be re-living those days sitting in front of the SNES and hearing "He's on fire!" Or...maybe not. Kobe, it's time to get everyone involved. With a win, the Lakers can bounce back from their two disappointing home losses and get amped for the Christmas game. Otherwise, a loss in this game could be the last call for Los Angeles, and the beginning of the end for Rudy T and his Lakers. This won't be a tough game. I'm not sure about Baron's condition...but even if he does play, the Lakers should come out very strong and determined, and walk away with a victory here, 92-80.
If the Lakers don't win, I will be really surprised. This is a very injury plagues Hornets team, and we should be able to beat them with ease. Does anyone know if Baron Davis is playing tonight? I take L.A. to win this one 95-84. Big games from Caron and Kobe.
I think Baron will start but I don't expect him to play starter minutes unless it's a close game and he can hold up. If the Lakers play team ball, the should be very tough to beat, if the Hornets win, the Lakers will seriously have to make some changes in the roster... Lakers by 18 in a blowout
Chucky Atkins! 14 3 point attempts! wtf! NOw Mihm with 21 rebounds! Marvolous! But against a 2-22 team, this isnt much to cheer about. Butler punching! EJECTED? Whats that about! Someone fill me in!!!!
What a game. I dont like Rudy's coaching I like he;s attitude but not the coaching. Odom I dont think he even touched the ball during the second half. Thats all I got to say for now. It wasn?t really a punch it was more like a slap with your fist closed. Like Jack Haley said it was more like a sissy punch.
Yeah, Butler won't be at the Christmas game. So, here's our list of guys suspended, injured, etc: Caron Butler Vlade Divac Tony Bobbitt (possibly)
I don't know, I think the league might wait a game to suspend him, This is the most hyped matchup of the year, I really don't think they would suspend someone who was involved in the deal for this game, beacause it wasn't that hard of a punch.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't know, I think the league might wait a game to suspend him, This is the most hyped matchup of the year, I really don't think they would suspend someone who was involved in the deal for this game, beacause it wasn't that hard of a punch.</div> Most likely...why do you think they let O'neal eligable this week? Yeah exactly...they will probably fine him and maybe suspend him after the game.
Baron played only 17 minutes, but did okay except what was he doing taking 9 three's in such a shot time, he made 5, but man, common BD. This is one of those games I call taking care of business, you have to try really hard to beat these teams because games like these can become a factor at the end of the year. Why doesn't anyone give Odom the ball? PS: I like how Mihm took advantage of this game to pad his stats, 21 rebounds, 5 blocks, that will help the season averages Chucky had to hoist some up too, 30 points
I really want to see Odom get involved in the second half. We would win a lot more close games. Mihm had a great game, 21 boards...why can't he rebound like that every night.
Man Butler being out on a weak blow attempt. I mean that ish was a luv tap but it still was meant to be a punch crud. Anyways it was a good night all around the league with alot of highlights. I didn't even know the Laker game was on until the 3rd quarter because everytime I turned I seen the Best Damn Sports show. So I was watching most of the Golden State and Grizz game. Both were good games though. And damn even though it didn't count what a dunk by Kobe on Chris Andersen. Nice reverse layup, dunk, and lob dunk too. Mad highlights.
All I have to say is... 26 shots and not even 10 are made. Oh, and another thing. Odom only takes 5 shots? WTF? God, you Lakers are f.. stupid sometimes. At least Chrish Mihm shined. 50% shooting... 21 rebounds, 5 blocked shots...
Yha man i odnt know why chucky is getting the same amount of shot attempts as Kobe and lamar os getting less than mihm, butler, and probably even tierre. They need to egt him the ball more WTF is theire problem. Odoms the superstar not Chucky. Im disgusted. Because we need Odom to be successfull and we can win theese kind of games when he doesnt get involved but were not going to win against teams that can contend against us. If he doesnt get into the mix were screwed.
