Where: New Orleans Arena.

AT NEW ORLEANS

Records: Lakers 22-5, Hornets 16-7.

Record vs. Hornets: 1-0.

Update: The Lakers had a 21-point lead cut to three but held off the Hornets, 93-86, last month at New Orleans Arena. After a slow start, the Hornets have won four consecutive games and 11 of their last 13. Point guard Chris Paul had eight steals in a recent game against Sacramento and is averaging 20.3 points, 11.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 3.04 steals a game.

-- Mike Bresnahan