Overview
- LaMelo Ball scored 30 points and tied his career high with nine three-pointers, eight of them after halftime, adding 11 assists and six rebounds.
- Luka Dončić finished with 39 points and later said Ball “hit some crazy shots,” while LeBron James added 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
- Los Angeles mustered just 16 points in the second quarter, and defensive lapses allowed Charlotte to seize control and keep the lead.
- The Hornets shot 54% from the field and nearly 47% from three, with Brandon Miller scoring 26 points and Miles Bridges adding 25.
- The defeat marked the Lakers’ fourth loss in five games, and coach JJ Redick cited another opponent’s hot shooting as Austin Reaves remained out with a calf strain.