LOS ANGELES – LeBron James, on the verge of his 39th birthday, delivered a masterful performance with 17 points and 11 assists, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 133-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Anthony Davis complemented James with 26 points and eight rebounds, as the Lakers sent the Hornets to their ninth consecutive loss.
The Lakers, who had won just three games out of nine since their victory in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, found their rhythm against the Hornets. A remarkable 41-point third quarter, led by Rui Hachimura and James, was pivotal in establishing a commanding lead. Hachimura, who scored 17 points, and James, with a 12-point contribution in the quarter, were instrumental in the Lakers’ surge.
Coach Darvin Ham seized the opportunity to rest James and Davis in the final quarter, a luxury afforded by the team’s substantial lead. This rest was particularly beneficial for Davis, who emphasized the importance of conserving energy ahead of back-to-back games in Minnesota and New Orleans.
James, despite being the NBA’s oldest player, continues to defy age with his exceptional play in his 21st season. His leadership and ability to orchestrate the offense were evident, especially in the third quarter. Davis praised James’s game intelligence and his knack for making great reads.
D’Angelo Russell contributed 16 points, including the 1,300th three-pointer of his career, while Austin Reaves added 16 points and provided a highlight with a stylish move past Terry Rozier. Reaves expressed confidence in the team’s potential, emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear identity.
The Hornets, led by Miles Bridges with 20 points and Rozier with 18, struggled to keep pace with the Lakers, especially in the second half. Rookie Brandon Miller, who scored 17 points, highlighted the need for better defense without fouling. The absence of LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, and Mark Williams due to injuries compounded Charlotte’s challenges.
Coach Steve Clifford of the Hornets acknowledged the team’s hard work but lamented the timing of their injuries during a tough stretch of games. The Hornets managed to stay competitive in the first half but faltered against the Lakers’ zone defense after the break.
The Lakers, with their ninth different starting lineup combination in 32 games, demonstrated versatility and depth. The team hopes to maintain the health of James and Davis, who have missed just five games combined this season.
Upcoming Games
The Charlotte Hornets face a challenging road ahead, with their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The Los Angeles Lakers, buoyed by this emphatic win, will travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves on Saturday night, looking to build on their recent success.
