The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena was charged with tension, following the Lakers’ decision to reverse their trade for Mark Williams. Many anticipated a fiery “revenge game,” and the Hornets delivered on that expectation.
Despite LeBron James having two vital chances to push the game into overtime, he was unable to capitalize, allowing Charlotte to secure a thrilling comeback victory of 100-97. The Hornets’ stunning 14-0 run late in the contest proved to be the turning point in this hard-fought battle.
This victory raised the Hornets’ season record to 14-29, positioning them in 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. While playoff aspirations remain a long shot, the win served as a significant morale boost, marking the end of a three-game losing streak.
Conversely, the Lakers faced disappointment with their second consecutive defeat. They now hold a 32-21 record, maintaining their fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Miles Bridges And LaMelo Ball Propel Charlotte To Key Victory Over The Los Angeles Lakers
Miles Bridges had an outstanding performance for the Hornets, finishing the game with 29 points, six rebounds, and five steals.
🏀 WEDNESDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Miles Bridges sets a new career high in STL as the @hornets close out the victory in LA!
LaMelo Ball: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 5 3PM
LeBron James: 26 PTS, 11 AST, 7 REB, 2 BLK, 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/xMoaVw5Z5r— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2025
LaMelo Ball contributed significantly with 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, shooting 9-of-19 and making five three-pointers. Ball’s timely shooting was instrumental in narrowing the gap during the fourth quarter. Williams showcased his potential with 10 points, nine rebounds, and one assist over 29 minutes. Nick Smith Jr. supported with an additional 12 points in the victory.
LeBron James spearheaded the Lakers with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, hitting 10-of-22 from the field. Luka Doncic struggled, finishing with 14 points on a challenging 5-of-18 shooting, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists. Rui Hachimura added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes contributed eight points each.
The Hornets will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to take on the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, while the Lakers will look to rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Image Source: GAMETIME HIGHLIGHTS / SHUTTERSTOCK
