The scouting report was straight forward and succinct: The Lakers spend a lot of time in the lane on the offensive end of the court.

Although the Hornets limited Los Angeles to just 18 points inside the lane in the first half, the final two quarters and overtime were a different story.

The Lakers scored 36 points in the paint in the second half and consequently went to the free-throw line 35 times — including three by Kobe Bryant with 19.3 seconds in regulation that pushed the game into overtime — and Los Angeles outlasted the Hornets 107-101 in the New Orleans Arena before an announced crowd of 17,272.

The Hornets play at home again tonight against the Washington Wizards.

Los Angeles finished the game with 54 points in the lane, and in the Hornets’ past three games opponents have scored 146 points inside.

“In the first half, we had 18 in the paint; in the second half we had 36,” Lakers Coach Mike Brown said. “We found ways to score down there. But you’ve got to give New Orleans credit, because they made it crowded all night. In the second half, we got the ball down there and made some nice finishes.”

Finish is what the Hornets could not do Wednesday night, despite a good effort through nearly four full quarters.

New Orleans led by 17 points late in the second quarter and was up by 14 at halftime. But the Lakers outscored the Hornets 30-16 in the third to tie the score at 70 and made more plays down the stretch and throughout overtime.

Bryant had a game-high 33 points, including 11-of-11 shooting on free throws. Center Andrew Bynum had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and power forward Pau Gasol had 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Jarrett Jack led the Hornets with 30 points, and Chris Kaman had 21 points and 12 rebounds. Kaman had a wide-open look from 15 feet with just 3.2 seconds to go in regulation and the game tied at 93, but couldn’t convert.

With the Hornets trailing 102-99 in with 41.9 to go in overtime, Kaman lost the ball, which was stolen by Metta World Peace. World Peace also blocked a shot by Kaman with 14.9 seconds to go and the Lakers leading 103-99.

“Our guys just game out at halftime and were determined to play the right way in terms of getting stops,” Brown said. “In the first half, we weren’t defensively present at all, and I thought they were able to get what they wanted. We picked that up in the third quarter, and at the end of the game, all our guys did a nice job, but Metta had some nice stops down the stretch. His defensive prowess, his hands, have been very big for us down the stretch in a lot of ball games.”

Bryant’s driving slam dunk with an and-one free throw added on the first play of overtime gave the Lakers a 96-93 lead, the first time Los Angeles led since 4:19 of the first quarter.

“The losses just drive you nuts,” said Hornets Coach Monty Williams. “Losing always makes you overanalyze or become real emotional. Winning is almost the same every time. I can say a lot of stuff right now, but I’m proud of the way our guys responded tonight. I told them if they continue to play that way, we’ll win more games.

“But our execution down the stretch was poor. There’s no other way to put it. A lot of that is on me. I’ve got to get guys in a position to execute and get some shots.”

The Hornets had three turnovers in overtime, two by Kaman.

New Orleans led once in overtime, 99-98, after Trevor Ariza’s jumper with 1:21 to go, but Los Angeles outscored the Hornets 9-2 the rest of the way.

“We fought hard,” said Jack. “I can’t really complain. My guys gave everything that they had. Obviously, we’re not at full strength, but you don’t look for any cop-outs or excuses.”

Williams offered none, as well.

“Every time I come up here after a loss,” Williams said, “I’m talking about us. But the Lakers beat us. They did what was necessary to win the game. That’s a championship team over there, and they are just going to get better. I thought they played their game. They were in our paint all night long, and they did what was necessary to win. Couple that with the lack of execution down the stretch, and you get the result.”

•••••••

Jimmy Smith can be reached at jsmith@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3814.

Although it hasn’t yet approached the international media frenzy that often surrounded Yao Ming before chronic injuries prematurely ended his career, there’s nevertheless a growing crowd in front of Hornets forward Gustavo Ayon’s locker as he travels to each NBA city. Monday night’s grouping of Spanish-speaking print and electronic journalists, who descended upon the New Orleans Arena for an event in which two natives of Mexico were expected to play in an American professional game for the first time, seemed to almost outnumber the local press in the pre- and postgame dressing room access.

That Charlotte Bobcats reserve forward Eduardo Najera was inactive because of a sore knee didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those wishing for a moment of Ayon’s time, speaking in Ayon’s native tongue.

As Ayon has steadily blossomed into a reliable NBA player, exhibiting the skills he developed playing nearly two seasons in Spain’s premier professional league for Madrid’s Fuenlabrada, the desire of Spanish-speaking media to chat with the unassuming 6-foot-9 power forward has increased almost exponentially.

And there will no doubt be a crowd tonight as the Hornets host the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time since last season’s playoffs.

Emilio Peralta, the Hornets’ Spanish-language radio broadcaster (830-AM), sometimes serves as Ayon’s interpreter when the language barrier gets in the way, as it did Monday. Though Ayon can understand some English, he seems reluctant to answer questions using a language he hasn’t mastered.

“We’re outnumbering you tonight,” Peralta said of the Spanish-speaking media.

Although Ayon’s game is still evolving, he has exhibited the type of skill set that will make him a valuable asset to the Hornets. He has proven to be an adept passer, has a dangerous reverse layup from either side of the basket and is adjusting well to New Orleans’ offensive and defensive schemes.

Does Ayon feel as though he has becoming more acclimated to the NBA game since he became the starter in Jason Smith’s absence?

“It has been great. The coaches and the team and everybody has really welcomed me,” Ayon said through Peralta’s interpretation. “Everybody has made me really comfortable. It has been a great year for me. I’m really happy.”

Aside from New Orleans’ 73-71 loss to the Bobcats, in which Ayon scored two points and couldn’t seem to get into an offensive flow, he has provided the Hornets with a viable power forward option while Smith (concussion), and backup Carl Landry (MCL sprain), recuperate from injuries.

He had three assists off passes inside in a win at Minnesota on March 10, drawing praise from Coach Monty Williams.

“Gustavo’s passing was really, really good,” said Williams, who has been patient with Ayon’s limited English but grown to appreciate his abilities. “He knows where guys are on the floor. If you put me in another country and ask me to go do a job, even if it’s basketball, I’m going to struggle. He just hasn’t struggled. He has sacrificed a lot to come here and play.

“He has got a lot going on in his life. (His wife) is expecting a baby. … he’s the guy for us. Everybody loves him because he plays hard, and he has a great spirit about him. He’s just going to get better. Fortunately for me, it’s good he doesn’t speak English well, because he doesn’t need to understand everything I’m telling him all the time because I might mess him up.”

Ayon has 73 assists in 34 games. Seven times as a starter he has scored in double digits, with three double-figure rebound efforts and the Hornets are 6-11 with Ayon in the starting lineup.

Has he always been the type of passer he has proven to be, and what aspect of his game does he believe needs the most refinement?

“I’m not thinking about passing the ball,” Ayon said. “I don’t consider myself a good passer. I wait for the game to come to me, and if there’s an opportunity to make a pass, I will — but I’m not thinking about it.

“I think I need to be a little more offensive with the rebounds and play better defense.”

Williams admitted Ayon still has some difficulty comprehending some American basketball terminology, such as “cut back door,” and Williams hasn’t yet learned the Spanish equivalency for that basic move.

“But his feel for the game, I think, covers up for what he doesn’t understand in English,” Williams said. “He just has a great feel for the game, unselfish. Sometimes I want him to be a little more aggressive with the ball around the basket, but he’s just an unusual player who can fit in with anybody.”

And has become the object of international attention.

KAMAN NOT FOCUSING ON DEADLINE: Despite being rumored as the Hornet most likely to be traded, center Chris Kaman said he doesn’t want to go anywhere and would like to continue playing for New Orleans.

“Right now, at this point, I’m feeling comfortable and have been playing pretty solid for the team,” said Kaman, who was told in January to stay away from the club while it sought to make a trade, only to be asked to return a week later. He has started the past 15 games at center in the absence of Emeka Okafor, who is out with a sore left knee.

“We’ve been winning a little bit more games,” Kaman added. “It’s not the season we anticipated or everybody wanted to have, but at this point we’re trying to do what we can to win, and I’m happy where I’m at.”

There has been speculation nationally that with former Los Angeles Clippers coach and general manager Mike Dunleavy negotiating for a group looking to purchase the Hornets from the NBA, Kaman might not be traded by Thursday’s 2 p.m. deadline because of Dunleavy’s possible involvement in Hornets’ basketball operations once a sale is consummated.

Kaman said Dunleavy’s presence in any capacity might influence his future thinking if he’s not traded.

“At this point, whether he’s here or not here, I think I’ve proven myself,” Kaman said. “I feel comfortable in the position I’m in. I have a good relationship with Mike; I played for him for seven years. He’s a great coach who understands how to coach. I don’t think he’s into coaching at this point, but if everything goes well for his situation he might be in more of a leadership role, getting guys in and out, presidential stuff. So it’ll be interesting to see what aspect he takes on.”

Williams said he knows that General Manager Dell Demps is working the telephones, but added he isn’t thinking about what might transpire.

“Trades and all of that, Dell and I will talk about that later today if something comes up,” Williams said. “He’s working. I don’t know what he’s doing as far as scenarios are concerned or if there’s a scenario. I’m not sure right now. We talked (Monday) night, and there was nothing to talk about.”

Williams said he has enjoyed having Kaman on the team.

“He has given us a different dimension that we didn’t have, a big who can score the ball and rebound,” Williams said. “I enjoy having a guy who can put the ball in the hole. As a coach, you’re thinking you’re going to have the same team no matter what because trades are so hard to pull off. I’m thinking he’s going to be here. Until it changes, that’s my mindset.”

When the regular season ends next month, the New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats will be in contention to land the most ping-pong balls to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.

Coach Monty Williams is hoping for better luck in the upcoming lottery than what he experienced in the Hornets’ stunning 73-71 loss to the Bobcats on Monday night in front of 15,254 at the New Orleans Arena.

Charlotte entered with the worst record in the league at 5-34, and the Bobcats had just two road victories after 21 games.

However, Charlotte handed the Hornets (10-32) their 17th loss in 21 games at the Arena, despite missing 11 of its final 12 attempts from the field and all 12 attempts from 3-point range.

On the final play, Bobcats rookie center Bismack Biyombo blocked Trevor Ariza’s dunk attempt with both hands as time expired. After calling timeout with 5.2 seconds remaining and trailing by two, the Hornets ran a set play for Ariza, who had an open lane to the basket before Biyombo, 6 feet 9, emerged. Biyombo had four blocks and made six of seven shots for 12 points.

“I did what I know is a high-percentage shot, going strong to the basket,” Ariza said. “He made a great play at the basket. This one is a bad loss, even for us. This is a game we should have won.”

Snapping a three-game losing streak, the Bobcats had seven blocks. Guard Gerald Henderson led Charlotte with 15 points. It was the Bobcats’ first road victory since Feb. 17 against Toronto 98-91.

The game marked the return of former Hornets coach Paul Silas.

“We’re just very happy,” Silas said. “I could just see ourselves fading at the end of the game, but we hung in there. Bismack came in and blocked the shot and gave us the win. That was awesome.”

Charlotte didn’t take its first lead since the first quarter until 1:23 remained in the third quarter. Guard Kemba Walker started a 10-0 run that extended into the start of the fourth quarter. But the Hornets fought back, going on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to 71-69.

With 31.3 seconds remaining, New Orleans blew an opportunity to tie the score when point guard Jarrett Jack made a turnover on an offensive foul.

“I didn’t feel like I extended my arm,” said Jack, who scored a team-high 15 points. “It is what it is. We came back and put ourselves in position to win, but they just made a good play at the end.”

The Hornets were held to 34 points in the second half, their low for the season. The Hornets struggled throughout the game to make shots, especially layups.

New Orleans finished the game shooting 38.5 percent from the field, and it committed 17 turnovers that Charlotte converted into 14 points.

Williams acknowledged before the game the Hornets weren’t in position to take any team for granted despite coming off a 95-89 road victory at Minnesota.

“We stressed that all day long that we’re in no position to look at anybody in any way,” Williams said. “I watched those guys come back against Orlando, and they were down 20 points. They have guys who have been in the league. They are an NBA team, well respected by our staff and players.”

The Hornets started the game missing the first six shot attempts before guard Marco Belinelli’s 3-pointer with 8:53 remaining in the first quarter.

The Hornets took a 37-35 hafltime lead, despite converting 38.5 percent of their shots.

New Orleans native D.J. Augustin was held to four points on 2-of-6 shooting and distributed five assists for the Bobcats. Former LSU forward Tyrus Thomas scored four points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Bobcats outrebounded the Hornets 47-37.

“We only shot seven free throws and had 17 turnovers,” Williams said. “It’s a recipe for what we got. The frustrating part is that we played so well in Minnesota. To come back here and have this kind of output is frustrating.”

New Orleans’ Trevor Ariza tried to tie the game in the final seconds, but his dunk was blocked by Charlotte’s Bismack Biyombo. Kaman tried to get the rebound for the putback but the ball bounced away as time expired.

Jarret Jack had 15 points and assists nine assists for the Hornets (10-32).

There have been times this season when Hornets point guard Greivis Vasquez has to pause momentarily and wrap his head around just who is on the floor with him. Most recently, it happened Friday night in Denver when newly signed center Jeff Foote was part of the rotation while Vasquez was running the show, causing Vasquez to change the play he wanted to call because Foote hadn’t yet learned its components.

“I was thinking about that,” Vasquez said, “watching the tape and watching myself … it’s been extremely hard. Sometimes, you can call a play, and we’ve just got a new guy, and being a young guy, you’ve got to figure it out quick. It’s not easy. This whole year has been ups and downs. It’s definitely a learning process. It’s hard. Especially for me.”

The Hornets have used 15 starting lineups this season heading into tonight’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the New Orleans Arena, with 10 players having missed time because of injury, and four more — including Foote — who have been on the roster via 10-day contracts.

As a point guard, it is the job of Vasquez and starter Jarrett Jack to run the Hornets’ offense, keeping players in the right spots and directing the action on the floor, optimally, without turning the ball over.

Through Sunday night’s win against Minnesota, Jack had turned the ball over 81 times, Vasquez 80. And, not unexpectedly, many of those mistakes can be attributed to the patch-work lineups the Hornets have been forced to utilize.

Jack, who save for a stretch of a week when he returned from a sore knee and played behind Vasquez with the second unit, has been the beneficiary of a little bit more stability playing most of his minutes with starters or players who were more familiar with the Hornets’ schemes and tendencies.

“Actually, it’s not that big a deal,” Jack said. “You just try to keep the play-calling packages simple where everybody knows how to play. Most of the people I’m pretty familiar with them regardless of whether they played with me or not. You’ve seen them play in passing, or watched games they played in college. You get familiar with most everybody’s game.

“But you try to put them in positions where they’ll be successful. The biggest thing is trying to call a play where (a teammate) will be able to react. If you call a play, you don’t want to make it too complicated if a person has only been here for two days or whatever the case may be. You don’t want to put him a position where that possession gets wasted because you call a play that was too complicated or one he hasn’t gotten down pat yet.”

Hornets Coach Monty Williams sees the conundrum from both perspectives, offensively and defensively. There are defensive sets he’d like to call, but cannot because of newcomers’ unfamiliarity with the system.

“I’m putting guys in position who have never been in our defensive system,” Williams said. “(Friday) night was indicative of that. I was ready to call a play, and I looked out there and saw Jeff Foote and it was like, ‘I can’t call that. I can only call about three plays because that’s all he knows.’

“When you have this many new guys in your system, you’re going to have breakdowns, and that’s something we have to guard against.”

What has made it doubly difficult for Jack and Vasquez, Williams says, is the Hornets’ lack of weapons.

“I think it’s tough on them, because the best point guards in the league are throwing it to guys who can score every night,” Williams said. “Let’s just be honest. The guys who have the most assists are throwing it to the same guys every night. And they know they can count on four or five assists from that guy every night. We don’t have that.

“Playing the point guard position, you have to have balance. You have to be able to know when to shoot, know when to pass, run the team, keep your poise. We haven’t been inconsistent there, but I think there’s times where the warts show in tough situations. It’s been tough for our point guards because they’ve had to carry the load scoring and running the team.”

Vasquez, though, is a glass-half-full type of player. He has taken this opportunity and continues to try to improve.

“The rest of the season,” he said, “I’m going to try to get 10 assists a game. Whether I score 10 points, four points, I don’t care. I just care about getting people better around me. I think that will make me a better point guard when we have an established roster on this team.”

MINNEAPOLIS – Chris Kaman scored 20 points and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 95-89 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who played their first game Saturday night since losing star point guard Ricky Rubio for the season to a knee injury.

Jarrett Jack had 17 points and seven assists for the Hornets, who won for the 10th time all season thanks to 28 assists on 39 buckets.

Kevin Love had 31 points and 16 rebounds after missing the previous game with back spasms, but the Timberwolves couldn’t shake the disappointment of losing Rubio in time to beat the Hornets.

The Hornets used an 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter to hold on and pick up their fifth road win of the season.

New Orleans 24 25 21 25–95

Minnesota 24 20 21 24–89

NEW ORLEANS (95): Ariza 2-7 4-4 8, Ayon 4-8 0-0 8, Kaman 10-21 0-0 20, Jack 5-7 7-8 17, Belinelli 4-11 2-2 11, Henry 2-8 0-0 4, Vasquez 5-9 0-0 12, Thomas 3-8 1-2 7, Foote 0-1 0-0 0, Aminu 4-5 0-0 8. Totals 39-85 14-16 95.

MINNESOTA (89): Johnson 0-3 0-0 0, Love 10-23 9-10 31, Pekovic 9-13 3-4 21, Ridnour 5-13 3-4 14, Webster 1-5 0-0 2, Williams 2-6 3-5 7, Beasley 1-7 0-2 2, Ellington 5-8 0-0 12, Miller 0-0 0-0 0, Lee 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 33-80 18-25 89.

3-Point Goals: New Orleans 3-7 (Vasquez 2-3, Belinelli 1-2, Jack 0-1, Ariza 0-1), Minnesota 5-23 (Ellington 2-4, Love 2-8, Ridnour 1-4, Johnson 0-1, Williams 0-1, Webster 0-2, Beasley 0-3). Fouled Out: Ayon. Rebounds: New Orleans 47 (Kaman, Aminu 6), Minnesota 55 (Love 16). Assists: New Orleans 28 (Jack 7), Minnesota 19 (Ridnour 10). Total Fouls: New Orleans 22, Minnesota 19. A: 20,123 (19,356).

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sports, timberwolves, basketball, updates

But with teams failing to meet the asking price and Kaman playing a bigger and bigger role with the Hornets, New Orleans is reconsidering their efforts and may even sign him to a contract extension.

Houston, Golden State, Miami, Indiana and Boston were among the teams interested in trading for Kaman, but the price is high, thanks to the failure of the NBA to find a new owner for the team.

Until the team is sold, the NBA owns the team and must approve all trades. The trade deadline is March 15.

Kaman was an all-star in 2010, but played just 32 games last season.

After he was included by the Los Angeles Clippers in the trade for Chris Paul, Kaman came off the bench and was even left off the team. But since Feb. 6 when Kaman received more playing time because of injuries, he has averaged 16.1points and 9.8 rebounds.

si.com: Meanwhile, sources said the Hornets are considering offering the 29-year-old Kaman an extension if no trade occurs, as they are intrigued about the possibility of pairing him with shooting guard Eric Gordon, a former Clippers teammate. Gordon, who played just two games for New Orleans before a knee injury cost him this season, will be a restricted free agent this summer.

DENVER (AP)—Arron Afflalo scored 28 points, Al Harrington had 20 and the
Denver Nuggets pulled away for a 110-97 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on
Friday night.

Nene added 12 points and Ty Lawson had 11 points to go with 10 assists for
the Nuggets, who have won five of six since the All-Star break.

Lance Thomas scored 18 points to lead the Hornets, who lost their fourth in
a row.

Jarret Jack added 17 points and Xavier Henry and Marco Belinelli had 12
points apiece for New Orleans.

Locked in a tight game most of the way, the Nuggets used a 10-2 run to pull
out to their biggest lead to that point, 74-63 with 2:58 left in the third
period.

Harrington scored five points in the run, including driving the lane for a
dunk and Afflalo finished it off with a 3-pointer.

Chris Kaman responded with successive baskets and the Hornets fought back to
within 79-71 going into the fourth quarter.

But the Nuggets again asserted themselves, outscoring the Hornets 16-6 over
the first 4 1/2 minutes of the final period. After a pair of free throws by Lance
Thomas pulled New Orleans within six points, Harrington hit a 3-pointer and
Andre Miller soon followed with a driving layup as part of the run putting
Denver in command 95-78 with 7:25 left to play.

New Orleans got back within 97-85 after Jack made a 3-pointer and Henry had
a layup but the Nuggets put the game away by scoring seven points, with Chris
Andersen and Danilo Gallinari each muscling in dunks to help push Denver’s lead
back to 17 points.

Afflalo scored 13 of his points in the first half when Denver took a 50-46
lead over the Hornets.

The Nuggets shot 72.3 percent from the floor en route to a 32-26
first-period lead with Afflalo hitting all four shots he took from the field.

NOTES: Forward Jeff Foote was signed to a 10-day contract by New Orleans
prior to the game. A 7-footer who can also play center, Foote bolsters the
Hornets’ front-court depth. … The Nuggets were without center Timofey Mozgov
for a second consecutive game because of a left ankle injury.

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, left, tries to find a way around Hornets guard Marco Belinelli on Friday at the Pepsi Center. (Barry Gutierrez, The Associated Press)

Two months and more than 30 games later, the Nuggets erased the bad memories of the last time the New Orleans Hornets were here in Denver.

With a 110-97win against the Hornets on Friday night, the Nuggets won the type of game they were supposed to, unlike that humiliating night Jan. 9 when they lost 94-81 here at the Pepsi Center, or like Wednesday, when they lost 100-99 to Cleveland.

Those are the type of losses, to teams with a couple of the worst records in the league, that Nuggets coach George Karl knows can can damage a team’s confidence and return to haunt them in April.

It won’t mean much if the Nuggets win big games on the road — like they did last week at Houston and San Antonio — if they can’t

win the contests they should at home. And Friday, in the third game of a nine-game homestand, it was a game the Nuggets couldn’t bear to lose. Each of the team’s next six opponents has a winning record.

“Play aggressive, be positive,” Karl told his team before Friday’s game. “Feel good about what you’re doing and where you’re at. Get your confidence back by playing hard and playing physical.”

It was an important message for a rookie like Kenneth Faried, who was making his 10th consecutive start. Faried, the fan favorite, had a block and two dunks — including one off a huge lob pass from Ty Lawson — in the game’s first five minutes. The Nuggets also forced the Hornets into 10 turnovers by halftime. Denver forced just

13 turnovers all game on Wednesday against Cleveland.

But the line between aggression and smart can be a thin one, as Faried learned.

He was called for three fouls in the first half, and quickly picked up his fourth and fifth after halftime, heading to the bench with more than 6 minutes left in the third with nine points and four rebounds.

Denver led by as many as nine points in the first quarter, yet struggled to pull away from the Hornets. New Orleans erased an early Denver

lead to tie the game at 40 with 4:36 remaining in the second quarter. Denver led 50-46 at halftime.

Still, Denver wasn’t completely in control until late in the third quarter, when Arron Afflalo’s three-pointer gave the Nuggets an 11-point lead. From there, the Nuggets cruised.

Afflalo led all Nuggets’ players with 28 points — four shy of his career high and his second-highest total of a season — on 9-of-13 shooting. Forward Al Harrington added 20 points off the bench.

Reserve forward Lance Thomas led New Orleans with 18 points.

Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com

This season Belinelli, Kaman and Landry are unrestricted with EG restricted but in 2013 Ariza, Jack and Okafor are unrestricted…. When Kaman and Gordon played together they were very young.. Currently Kaman is the oldest Hornets player at 28…. He is our highest scoring Big… Okafor our best defender… Let’s see what happen with Okafor returns… But why not extend Kaman…

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — After losing five of six games since returning from the All-Star break, the Hornets are expected to get some much needed help soon with the return of injured forward Carl Landry. Landry, who has been sidelined since Feb. 4 with a sprained left MCL, is expected to return next week, possibly as early as Monday night against the Charlotte Bobcats at the New Orleans Arena, Coach Monty Williams said.

“Every day I see him, he keeps saying it feels better,” Williams said. “He’s looking pretty good.”

Landry’s return cannot come soon enough, because the Hornets have been ravaged by injuries to their front court.

New Orleans will have only nine available players for the second consecutive game tonight when it plays the Nuggets in Denver. Forward Gustavo Ayon is expected back after sitting out Wednesday night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings with a sore left foot.

With Landry close to returning, the Hornets decided not to re-sign center-forward Solomon Jones for the remainder of the season. His second 10-day contract expired after Wednesday night’s game.

In his final game, Jones went scoreless in 11 minutes after starting in place of Ayon in the Hornets’ 99-98 loss. In 11 games with the Hornets, Jones averaged 5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds. Jones, who is in his sixth NBA season, was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers last month before the Hornets extended him a first 10-day contract.

With an injury-depleted roster, the Hornets have been unable to establish more momentum since winning four of six games going into the All-Star break.

Before Wednesday night’s defeat, the Hornets opened their four-game road trip with an 86-74 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

“My teammates need me more than anything right now, we’re struggling,” Landry said. “I want to be out there, I’m a competitor. I know that I’m close to getting back.”

Landry has participated in shootarounds wearing a brace and has gone though extended rehabilitation sessions to strengthen his knee. Williams said he thought Landry would return this week, but it was pushed back a week so Landry could get more contact work.

“In the beginning, I was kind of feeling not at 100 percent,” Landry said. “But as I did drills and things like that, I’ve kind of gotten a little more comfortable out there. It’s going to take repetition, but I’m right there.”

At the Hornets’ shootaround Wednesday morning at the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, Landry didn’t appear hampered moving laterally or cutting to the basket.

Landry has not played since a Feb. 4 game at Detroit when Pistons forward Jason Maxiell collided with him, causing a second-degree MCL sprain. Before the injury, Landry averaged 11.5 points through 24 games.

“I know he has been working on his own to get back,” point guard Jarrett Jack said. “I hope he takes his time and comes back when he feels healthy.”

Forward Jason Smith has not been cleared to practice after missing 15 consecutive games with a concussion suffered against the Pistons in that Feb. 4 game. Williams said he didn’t have a timetable when Smith or starting center Emeka Okafor may return. Okafor has missed 13 consecutive games with a sore left knee.

“We’ve been dealing with injuries all year,” Williams said. “I have never dealt with this many injuries before, but it is what it is.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —– The Hornets couldn’t take advantage of one of their best offensive performances of the season, losing to the Sacramento Kings 99-98 on Wednesday night after guard Isaiah Thomas caught an errant pass from Trevor Ariza and forward John Salmons made a layup with six seconds remaining to clinch the victory.

As time expired, Ariza missed a desperation jumper, leaving the Hornets 0-19 in games they trailed at halftime.

It also was the Hornets’ third consecutive loss and fifth in six games since returning after the All-Star break.

“We threw the ball away,” Hornets Coach Monty Williams said. “When you lose a game like that, you have to go back to the basics. You have to take care of the ball.” 

 Former Hornets guard Marcus Thornton tied the score at 95 with 1:29 remaining, but Ariza made a clutch 3-pointer that put the Hornets ahead by three with 1:12 left.

Thornton’s 12-foot jumper with 43 seconds left cut the lead to one point, setting the stage for the winning steal and basket.

After struggling to get the Hornets into their offensive sets in Monday night’s loss to Portland, point guards Jarrett Jack and Greivis Vasquez made sure to keep their teammates on the attack mode. They got the Hornets quickly in their sets and if they didn’t see an open teammate, they took matters in their own hands and attacked the rim.

Jack finished with 25 points and Vasquez had 10. Ariza finished with 20 points and Kaman had 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

“We played well enough to lose actually,” Jack said.“You know what I mean like all those things you point to we still came up on the short end of things.”     

Going into Wednesday night’s game, the Hornets had trailed by at least 26 points in back-to-back losses to the Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers. In Monday night’s 86-74 loss to the Trail Blazers, the Hornets were held to just 46 points in the first three quarters, including a season-low 10 points in the second quarter.

The Hornets (9-30) scored easily and shot better than 50 percent for nearly the entire game Wednesday. Instead of collapsing after halftime as they did against the Trail Blazers, the Hornets turned up the pressure, outscoring the Kings 26-20 to take a 80-78 lead through three quarters.

The Kings came on a four-game losing streak and had lost 10 of their previous 12, surrendering 107.3 points per game during the span.

Though the Hornets trailed the Kings 58-54 at halftime, they scored 40 points in the post and had a 12-2 edge on second-change points.

Despite shooting 52 percent from the field in the first quarter, the Hornets didn’t take their first lead 30-29 until 11:21 remained in the second quarter. The Kings closed the second quarter on a 9-2 run take a four-point into halftime.

The Kings were without starting center DeMarcus Cousins, who sat out because of food poisoning.

AYON OUT: Hornets starting power forward Gustavo Ayon missed Wednesday night’s game against the Kings because of a sore left foot.

With the Hornets down to only nine available players, Solomon Jones started at power forward, but played only five minutes in the first half after getting two quick fouls.

Ayon is the ninth Hornets player to miss at least one game because of injury this season. New Orleans has particularly been ravaged with injuries at power forward — Carl Landry (sprained knee) and Jason Smith (concussion) are sidelined, and both have been out since February 4.

Ayon, 6 feet 10, 250 pounds, had started the past 12 games in place of Smith and was averaging 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds.

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John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3407.

Sacramento, Calif. — With their lineup still decimated by injuries, New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams hasn’t been able to solve his team’s glaring offensive execution problems. At home and on the road, the Hornets continue to have dismal, low-scoring quarters that have led to one-sided losses such as Monday night’s 86-74 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers held the Hornets to a season-low 10 points in the third quarter, holding them to 4-of-16 shooting.

The Hornets’ problems can be attributed largely to not having key players who are injured, such as shooting guard Eric Gordon, forwards Carl Landry and Jason Smith and center Emeka Okafor, and they haven’t had enough from others to play well in their absence.

The Hornets (9-29) continue to miss shots, and are often forced to take shots just before the 24-second shot clock expires, appearing to have no semblance of rhythm. Opponents have been successful taking away the Hornets’ inside scoring by loading up on their point guards, Jarrett Jack and Greivis Vasquez, to force them to initiate the offense deep on the perimeter.

“We’ve been plugging guys in all year, trying to get them to understand our system,’’ Williams said. ”When you’ve been faced with adversity as long as a period as we have, you are either going to grow or quit. It’s not part of our DNA to give up.’’

Against the Trail Blazers, the Hornets went through a five-minute stretch without scoring in the third quarter, after center Chris Kaman and shooting guard Marco Belinelli each scored during the opening minute. During the dismal stretch, the Hornets missed seven consecutive shots and turned the ball over twice.

With their poor execution, New Orleans finished the third quarter with only 48 points.

In last Saturday’s 102-84 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Hornets trailed 54-37 at halftime after scoring just 14 points in the second quarter. The Pacers took away driving lanes from Jack and Vasquez, and the Trail Blazers also used that tactic.

“We have to be more aggressive, especially me and Jarrett,’’ Vasquez said. “We have to get people involved. I watched the tapes, and I think we can do much better.’’

With no consistent threat from the perimeter, the Hornets rank 29th among the league’s 30 teams in scoring offense, averaging 87.9 points. Only the Charlotte Bobcats, whom the Hornets play Monday night at New Orleans Arena, is averaging less, 86.7 points.

“Teams have done a good job pressuring us,’’ Jack said. “It’s obviously frustrating, because we have played solid defense, and then we haven’t been able to manufacture good shots and attempts on the other end.’’

QUICK HITS: Williams said after Monday’s practice at Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento that there is a good chance center Solomon Jones will be signed for the remainder of the season when his second 10-day contract expires after tonight’s game against the Kings.

Jones, 6 feet 10, 245 pounds, has scored in double figures in two of the past three games. After 10 games, Jones has averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Hornets.

“That’s not in my control,’’ Jones said, regarding if he should be re-signed. “The only thing I can do is play and help my team win.’’

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John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3407.

PORTLAND, Ore. – With small forward Trevor Ariza returning to the lineup after missing two games with flu-like symptoms, Hornets Coach Monty Williams hoped his team wouldn’t have problems scoring.

But Williams’ worst fears came true in Monday night’s 86-74 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in front of a sellout crowd of 20,520 at the Rose Garden.

Instead of showing signs of offensive improvement, the Hornets were held to a season-low 10 points in the third quarter and they never got back in the game. New Orleans made only 4-of-16 shots and trailed by as much as 22 points in the third quarter.

“We held them to 86 points, but we couldn’t score,’’ Williams said. “Their pressure took us out of the box and we were a halfcourt running offense tonight. That’s a credit to their defense. This is two games in a row where teams have pretty much taken us out.’’

Before starting their four-game road trip, New Orleans (9-29) was routed by the Indiana Pacers 102-84 on Saturday night at the New Orleans Arena.

Until the Hornets erupted for a 26-point fourth quarter against Portland, they were in danger of setting the franchise record for fewest points, which is 65. Two minutes into the fourth, the Hornets had only 56 points. But center Solomon Jones’ layup with 5:45 remaining made the score 95-65. The Trail Blazers (19-19)  led by 26 with 8:57 left to play.

“They did a good job of pressuring us and it made it difficult for all night,’’ Jack said. “We had a tough time getting into the offense.’’

Despite their tough defensive play, the Hornets’ inability to score continues to be their most glaring flaw. In the third quarter, center Chris Kaman and shooting guard Marco Belinelli both made shots in the opening minute. Then the Hornets went nearly five minutes before they made their next shot.

Kaman missed four of five shots, Belinelli missed five of seven; Jones missed all two attempts and Ariza missed his only attempt during the third quarter.

New Orleans came into Monday night’s game ranked 29th among the league’s 30 teams, averaging just 88.4 points a game. The Trail Blazers took advantage, outscoring the Hornets 24-10 in the third quarter to take a 70-48 lead, putting away any hopes the Hornets may have had about getting a road victory.

Ariza played his first game since last week against the Toronto Raptors, but he couldn’t get into any type of offensive rhythm after missing four of his first five shots before finishing with four points.

“I didn’t have a rhythm but it was fun being out there competing,’’ Ariza said.
Except for Belinelli, all of the Hornets’ players appeared rattled from the Trail Blazers’ defensive pressure. Shooting guard Xavier Henry and Kaman mishandled passes.

Starting point guard Jarrett Jack forced shots and struggled to get the Hornets into their offensive sets. Several times, the Hornets were forced to attempts shots just before the 24-shot clock expired.

After 38 games, the Hornets have surpassed 100 points only three times. The Trail Blazers came into Monday’s game surrendering 100 points per game in their last three games.

The Hornets made seven of 13 shots in the second quarter, but still trailed 46-38 at halftime. The Hornets had stretches throughout the first half where they turned the ball over and were forced into taking tough shots.

Other than backup point guard Greivis Vasquez, the Hornets didn’t get much help.  Jones, who had scored in double figures in three of the previous four games, had just two points in the first half on one-of-three shooting before finishing with two points. He went one of six from the field.

“We needed a win desperately,’’ Trail Blazers Coach Nate McMillan said. “You drop your first three games coming off the break and you’re not playing well and you’re about to go on a seven-game road trip – really important for us to get this win against New Orleans.’’

After trailing by a 10-point deficit at the end of the first quarter, the Hornets started the second quarter on a 7-0 run behind Vasquez’s five points. The Hornets played strong defense in the second quarter as they held the Trail Blazers to four field goals during a nine-minute stretch that allowed the Hornets to close deficit to 38-35 before they collapsed in the third quarter.

“They just pressured us and we didn’t respond,’’ Jones said. “They hit us and we kind of got down. We fought back, but in a situation like that we have to play better.’’