Overview
- The Lakers beat the Hornets 121-111 in Charlotte to improve to 8-3, rebounding two days after a blowout loss in Atlanta.
- Luka Dončić led L.A. with 38 points, seven assists and six rebounds, including a dominant second half.
- Austin Reaves returned from a three-game groin absence and posted 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds in 29 minutes.
- Marcus Smart keyed a defensive turnaround with a season-high seven steals as the Lakers outscored Charlotte 31-15 in the third quarter.
- JJ Redick said LeBron James practiced with the South Bay Lakers as part of his ramp-up, with no firm return date set, while separate reports detailed rising scrutiny of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison during a 3-7 start and noted the Nets’ 125-107 NBA Cup loss without Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith.