CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Anthony Davis notched his third career triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. This win marks the Lakers’ third consecutive triumph, adding momentum as they wrapped up a 4-2 road trip amid swirling NBA trade deadline rumors.
D’Angelo Russell led the scoring for the Lakers with 28 points, while LeBron James contributed 26, showcasing the potential of the Lakers’ roster when firing on all cylinders. Davis emphasized the team’s capability, stating, “When we put our minds to it, we can beat any team in this league,” highlighting their defensive efforts and cohesive play as key factors in their success.
The future composition of the Lakers remains uncertain with the NBA trade deadline looming. LeBron James, when questioned about the team’s readiness to contend for the NBA title with the current lineup, expressed his contentment with the team’s chemistry, avoiding speculation on potential roster changes.
The Hornets, despite being short-handed, saw outstanding performances from Miles Bridges and rookie Brandon Miller. Bridges exploded for a career-high 41 points, while Miller continued his impressive rookie campaign with 33 points, including five 3-pointers. Miller’s back-to-back 30-point games are a first for a Hornets rookie, highlighting his growing confidence and the support of his teammates.
Los Angeles dominated the first half, shooting 64% from the field and establishing a 74-58 lead at halftime, fueled by Russell’s and James’ dynamic scoring. James delivered several memorable plays, including a powerful dunk over the Hornets’ defense, while Davis’s presence inside proved too much for Charlotte to handle, especially in the absence of center Mark Williams due to a back injury.
The Lakers extended their lead to 21 points in the third quarter, but the Hornets rallied behind Miller’s fourth-quarter heroics. Charlotte managed to cut the lead to four points with two minutes remaining, but a crucial defensive play by Davis and subsequent free throws by Austin Reaves secured the win for Los Angeles.
As the Lakers prepare to host the Denver Nuggets and the Hornets gear up for a home game against the Toronto Raptors, both teams face crucial junctures in their seasons. For the Lakers, the question remains whether their current roster can sustain their winning form and make a deep playoff run amidst trade deadline uncertainties.
