The 0-5 Lakers are off to the franchise's worst start. If the Lakers don't win this matchup they very well could open 0-13 because the next seven games are all tough.

This is a highly favorable situation for the desperate Lakers, who will be pushed hard by prideful Kobe Bryant. The Lakers have had four days off between games while the Hornets are playing for the sixth time in nine days.

Charlotte is traveling after a 122-119 double overtime home win against the Hawks two nights ago in a game they trailed most of the time. The Hornets have yet to win on the road and are making the journey to the West Coast.