Lakers vs. Hornets odds, line: 2022 NBA picks, Dec. 23 predictions from proven computer model

The Los Angeles Lakers (13-18) are 8-7 this season. They play at home against the Charlotte Hornets (8-24) on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET. The Lakers are favored by 3 points. Charlotte is in the midst of a six-game west coast swing and is coming off a Wednesday loss to the Clippers in Los Angles. SportsLine's advanced computer model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,00 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons.

Lakers vs. Hornets is a December 23 NBA game. The Lakers are favored by 3 points. Los Angeles is also favored over Charlotte by 155 points, while the over/under is 242 points

Lakers vs. Hornets is a December 23 NBA game. The Lakers are favored by 3 points.

The Lakers lost 134-120 to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. LeBron James had 31 points and 11 assists. Thomas Bryant had 17 points in Davis' absence. The Lakers allow the second-most 2-pointers per game (58.1) and have held opponents to 54.4% from inside the 3-point line this season.

Charlotte Hornets lost to the Clippers 126-105. It was their ninth loss in their last 10 games. LaMelo Ball had a triple-double with 25 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. The Lakers have been slipping in recent games and have allowed opponents to hit 57.6% of their 2-point attempts over their past three games, including 64.5% against the Kings.

The model simulating Hornets vs. Lakers 10,000 times has picked the Hornets to win. It also has a point-spread pick that is hitting in almost 60% of simulations.