Alongside the saga with Williams, the Hornets are dealing with a series of injuries that could impact their performance against the Lakers. Key player LaMelo Ball, who boasts averages of 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, is probable with right ankle soreness. Charlotte has gone 1-18 this season when he's not in the lineup.

Friday's matchup has draft lottery implications, as the Hornets are four games behind the Wizards for the NBA's worst record. Washington has lost seven of its last eight games following a three-game win streak in early February.

KJ Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. started the quarter with back-to-back threes to give the Hornets a 5-point lead, finishing off an 11-0 run dating back to the first quarter. Spencer Dinwiddie tried to get the Mavericks back into it by flopping on three-pointers and attempting to get foul calls, and it only led to success for the Hornets.