- What: NBA Picks
- Who: Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers
- When: Wednesday, February 19, 10:10 p.m.
The Lakers (32-20) host the Hornets (13-39) on Wednesday night as the NBA returns from a disappointing weekend of All-Star festivities.
LeBron James missed the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, ending a 20-year run. Luka Doncic also didn't suit up either after missing 22 games with a calf injury.
The superstar duo played two games together after the shocking trade that sent the 25-year-old Serbian to Los Angeles, splitting a home-and-home series with the Utah Jazz.
Let's look at the latest betting lines for the game. Odds are subject to change.
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | -1.5 (-110) | -120 | Un 249.5 (110) |
| Indiana Pacers | +1.5 (-110) | +102 | Ov 249.5 (-110) |
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Lakers vs Hornets Betting Trends
Los Angeles is 19-6 at home this season with a 16-9 record against the spread at Crypto.com Arena. JJ Redick's club is also 11-7 ATS as a home favorite, and had a six-game winning streak snapped by the Jazz last Wednesday.
With a 32-20 overall record (.615 winning percentage), the Lakers sit in 5th place in the Western Conference, 2 games back of the 4th place Rockets (34-21).
Charlotte (13-39) has the 4th-worst record in the entire NBA with only four wins on the road all season. Entering the contest on a three-game losing streak, the Hornets are somewhat surprisingly 11-11 against the spread away from home, and 11-8-1 ATS as a road dog.
The OVER is 13-12-1 in Lakers' home games and 10-13 in Hornets road contests.
LeBron James shredded for skipping NBA All-Star Game at last minute https://t.co/VPG5U6ayfn pic.twitter.com/fvSwidqQCh
— New York Post (@nypost) February 17, 2025
LeBron skips All-Star Game
LeBron James snapped his streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts, sitting out the event for the first time since 2004. The four-time MVP missed the game with nagging foot and ankle injuries, instead choosing to prioritize his health for the stretch run.
The 40-year-old is averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 9.0 assists in his 22nd season. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic tweeted a picture of himself watching basketball on his laptop while poolside on Sunday. Doncic is averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 24 games this year.
Instant chemistry?
LeBron James and Luka Doncic made their first appearance in Purple & Gold together last Monday, leading LA to a 132-113 victory over the Jazz. Doncic posted 14 points, four assists and five rebounds in his return from injury while James posted a team-leading 24 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.
Two nights later, the Lakers duo fell 131-119 to the same Utah club. LeBron finished with 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Luka had 16 points to go with four rebounds and four assists.
Interestingly enough, the Lakers rescinded a trade with Charlotte just before the All-Star break after Hornets center Mark Williams failed a physical exam. The 23-year-old apparently has yet to return to the team.
The new Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant mural in Los Angeles 💜
Via @kobemurals pic.twitter.com/5It5ALxac2
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) February 17, 2025
LA Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets NBA Picks
While the Hornets have been shockingly solid against the spread as road dogs (11-8-1) this season, their 4-19 road record doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
With both LeBron and Luka well rested after the NBA All-Star break, take the Lakers to cover the monster spread (-13.5) at home with the UNDER 223.5 (-110)
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