Brian Windhorst. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Brian Windhorst says he'd pick this lousy Eastern Conference team in a series against Lakers

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 2:28 PM ET

If you've kept up with the NBA this season, you known that the Charlotte Hornets are one of the more confusing teams in the league.

Despite being 11 games under .500 through 43 games, Charlotte's offensive production has caught the attention of the national media. That includes ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who boldly proclaimed that he'd choose the Hornets over the Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game series.

Brian Windhorst believes in the Hornets offense

"I would pick the Hornets in a series against the Lakers," said Windhorst during a recent episode of "The Hoop Collective" podcast. The comments from Windhorst come on the heels of Charlotte dominating Los Angeles in a 135-117 victory on Thursday.

Windhorst cited the Hornets athleticism and fast-paced offense as reasons he believes that they could take down in the Lakers in a series.

️ @WindhorstESPN: "I would pick the Hornets in a series against the Lakers."

Full episode of The Hoop Collective: https://t.co/5jqSA7glYw pic.twitter.com/U1CLyad63C
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 19, 2026

Are the Hornets as bad as their 17-26 record?

It was a bit shocking to hear Windhorst, an ESPN reporter, hype up a Charlotte team that is 11 games under .500 thus far. However, the Hornets' season has not been quite as bad as their record would indicate.

Charlotte ranks 14th in the NBA in points per game at 116.4. Its defense has allowed the same exact number of points per game so far this season, giving Charlotte a net rating of 0.0, ahead of teams such as the Lakers, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, all teams with better records.

Charlotte will need an incredible stretch to reach the play-in tournament

Entering Monday, Charlotte trailed Atlanta by 3.5 games for the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. According to Tankathon, the Hornets have the 13th easiest remaining schedule in the NBA this season.

The problem, though, is that the Hawks have the second easiest schedule remaining by strength of record. As such, it might be difficult for the Hornets to make up the ground the necessary to get back into the play-in tournament for the first time in three seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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