Despite missing starting forward Trevor Ariza, starting center Emeka Okafor, and sixth man forward/center Jason Smith, the Hornets still led the Lakers late in the fourth quarter. However, L.A. played like a championship team in the final minutes to escape New Orleans with a 101-95 victory.
The Hornets David West and Emeka Okafor are left off the all-star team, as is Minnesota Timberwolves Forward Kevin Love. Clippers PF Blake Griffin is the only rookie selected to the all-star team.
All in all, the Hornets played well on the West Coast Friday night. In the end, it wasn't enough. The Lakers beat the Hornets 101-97. David West scored 23 and pulled down 12 boards.
The Hornets have been terrific at home and the Lakers went into Wednesday on a three game losing streak. Neither trend held up as LA defeated New Orleans 103-88.