- Charlotte Hornets stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a 100-97 road victory
- LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges combined for 56 points to lead the Hornets
- Luka Dončić struggled with his shooting in his third game for the Lakers
Key Takeaways:
Charlotte Hornets secured an unexpected 100-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Miles Bridges’ 29 points and LaMelo Ball’s 27. The Hornets, one of the league’s struggling teams, managed to upset a Lakers side that entered the game as the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Hornets C Mark Williams opens up on rescinded trade to Lakers and gives his perspective on his failed physical. (via Charlotte Observer) pic.twitter.com/8Nf7RqeL9O
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 19, 2025
LeBron James scored 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, trying to rally the Lakers late. He nailed a three-pointer with 6.8 seconds remaining, but Ball responded by making two free throws. James had two more chances in the final moments but failed to convert, securing Charlotte’s second victory in its last 11 games.
Luka Dončić, playing his third game for the Lakers and without any minutes restriction, finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in 33 minutes. The Slovenian guard, however, had a poor shooting night, making just 5 of his 18 attempts, including 1-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Charlotte’s Mark Williams, playing his first game since his trade to the Lakers was rescinded, contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds. The Lakers’ loss ended their seven-game home winning streak and now they sit in 5th position in the Western Conference with a 32-21 balance, while the Hornets improved to 14-39 but remain in 14th place on East.