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LaMelo Ball’s 9 Threes Fuel Hornets’ 135-117 Win Over Lakers as L.A.’s Slide Deepens

The loss underscored Los Angeles’ defensive slide with a thinning rotation as a road-heavy stretch arrives.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 10: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives by Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on November 10, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Jan 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee (left) talks with guard LaMelo Ball (1) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Ball scored 30 points with 27 after halftime, tied his career high with nine 3-pointers, and added 11 assists.
  • Charlotte shot 54.3% from the field and 46.5% from three (20-for-43), with Brandon Miller scoring 26, Miles Bridges 25, and rookie Kon Knueppel 19 to move to 2-1 on a five-game trip.
  • Luka Dončić had 39 points and LeBron James 29, but the Lakers were undone by a 34-16 second quarter and decisive late Hornets runs.
  • The Lakers have lost four of five and are 5-8 since Dec. 20, with coach JJ Redick citing issues containing drivers and defending hot shooters.
  • An MRI showed backup center Jaxson Hayes has left hamstring tendinopathy, and Los Angeles heads to Portland on Saturday before hosting Toronto as a road-heavy stretch begins.