PREVIEW: The Charlotte Hornets and LA Lakers meet Thursday in NBA action at the crypto.com Arena. With a three-game losing streak behind them, thanks to an immediate reversal of form on offense, the Los Angeles Lakers will look to gain some traction during a visit from the improved Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers recently stopped a three-game skid with a 141-116 win over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, while the Hornets fell just short to the red-hot Clippers in a 117-109 road defeat on Monday. The LA Lakers are averaging 115.9 points on 49.6 percent shooting and allowing 116.3 points on 48.6 percent shooting, positioning themselves as formidable offensive threats heading into this matchup. LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.9 points and 7.8 assists, while Miles Bridges is averaging 19.7 points and 6.4 rebounds for Charlotte's balanced attack. Luka Doncic is averaging 33.3 points and 8 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 26.6 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Lakers' dynamic duo. The Hornets have lost each of their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents and have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games against Pacific Division opponents, presenting a significant historical challenge. The road team has won each of the last four games between the Hornets and Lakers, suggesting that recent trends could complicate matters for Los Angeles despite their home-court advantage.