Up next for the Lakers: Friday vs. the Hornets

Lakers tonight

vs. New Orleans

When: 7:30.

Where: Staples Center.

On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 710, 1330.

Records: Lakers 25-11; Hornets 21-15.

Record vs. Hornets: 1-0.

Update: The Hornets blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead at home in Wednesday’s loss to Golden State. After a good start this season, the Hornets have lost 14 of their last 24 games. Point guard Chris Paul is averaging 9.8 assists a game, third best in the NBA, and he tops the league in steals with 2.9 per game. The Lakers won easily at New Orleans, 103-88, on Dec. 29 when Andrew Bynum started for the first time this season; the Lakers outrebounded the Hornets, 44-24.

—Barry Stavro