PREVIEW: The Lakers enter Monday nursing a 122-102 road loss to Atlanta , yet they still maintain a solid 7-3 record and remain among the league's most efficient offensive teams. Los Angeles averages 117.8 points per game on 52% shooting while converting nearly 79% of their free throws, ranking top-five in assists . What stands out in their shot profile is their elite perimeter defense— they rank 3rd in allowing low-quality three-pointers and efficiently attack the rim —though turnovers remain a concern at 16.8 per game. With Luka Doncic healthy and Austin Reaves potentially returning, the Lakers should have sufficient firepower to dictate pace . Charlotte, conversely, finds itself at 3-6 after a 126-108 defeat to Miami that dropped them to 3-6 on the year. The Hornets boast impressive spacing on offense (ranked 4th) and solid defensive rebounding (7th), but their defensive vulnerabilities stand out sharply. The Hornets are averaging 119 points offensively while surrendering 121 per night, ranking 26th defensively —a troubling imbalance that speaks to their inconsistency on that end of the floor. With LaMelo Ball sidelined by ankle injury and Collin Sexton dealing with a neck strain, Charlotte lacks the backcourt depth needed to compete with a sharper Lakers squad.