The Lakers have been missing integral parts of their starting line-up over the past several weeks, and those problems have extended into the Lakers bench, as Jordan Hill, the spark and energy from the second unit, has been out with back spasms the past two games. According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Hill is still uncertain for tonight’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats, and is listed as a game-time decision.
One more injury note: Jordan Hill has missed the last 2 games with back spasms. He’s listed as a game-time decision for Charlotte.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 18, 2012
Mike Trudell also spoke with assistant coach Dan D’Antoni at Lakers shootaround this morning, who mentioned that the recent news about Pau Gasol’s return won’t necessarily change the game plan for tonight’s game.
“I don’t think it changes anything that we do, it does put another good player in another position.”
D’Antoni also explained that although the Bobcats have dropped the last 11 straight games, they are a team that knows how to force turnovers, especially through their full-court press. Among other issues, extensive turnovers have have been an issue the Lakers have yet to figure out how to control. The Bobcats also have former Laker Ramon Sessions, who D’Antoni called a “triple threat,” however, D’Antoni also revealed his full scouting report on Sessions.
“He can get in, see over the defense, hit passes for assists, he can finish at the rim, and he also gets fouled a lot. I know, I coached him in high school.”
The Lakers are currently on a two-game winning streak after winning their last two games (against the Washington Wizards and Philadelpia 76ers) in their four game road trip. The Charlotte Bobcats are in an 11 game slump, after starting the season 7-5. But, the Lakers have an all-time record of 7-8 against the Bobcats. The only other team in the NBA that the Lakers have a losing record against is the Boston Celtics. Being at home, though, is in their favor as the purple and gold have a 5-3 record against Charlotte at Staples Center.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Check out our exclusive interview with Lakers guard Darius Morris at yesterday’s practice!
httpvhd://youtu.be/2uWUCYmeNQo