At the time still without Brandon Ingram (sprained ankle) and Rajon Rondo (hand surgery) as they were recovering from respective injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers were also forced to play the final three games of a recent road trip without JaVale McGee because of illness.
McGee played through flu-like symptoms against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 19 points on 9-for-10 shooting, to go along with 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 1 steal. A comfortable Lakers victory meant he was only needed for 18 minutes.
McGee expressed optimism he would play the following night but was a late scratch.