Photos:: Lakers vs. Hornets

Hornets forward Nicolas Batum keeps the ball away from Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) talks to former teammate Jeremy Lin during a game against the Hornets.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Hornets guard Kemba Walker brings the ball up the court during a game against the Lakers.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives against Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) in the first half.  (Chuck Burton / Associated Press)

Hornets forward P.J. Hairston, right, steals the ball from Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, in the first half.  (Chuck Burton / Associated Press)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant attempts to pass around Hornets forward Marvin Williams.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives past Hornets forward P.J. Hairston, center, as Brandon Bass tries to set a screen in the first half.  (Chuck Burton / Associated Press)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) before a game against the Hornets.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Hornets forward Nicolas Batum, left, reaches in to try to swipe the ball from Lakers forwar Larry Nance Jr., right, in the second half on Dec. 28.  (Chuck Burton / Associated Press)

Hornets guard Kemba Walker reacts after a play against the Lakers. He scored 38 points in 42 minutes.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Never an excuse, just an innate ability to change styles as needed with a changing roster.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant drives to the basket against the Charlotte Hornets.  (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)