"LaMelo Ball scored 27 of his team-high 30 points in the second half for Charlotte, and also finished with 11 assists. After the Lakers closed to within 10 points with 2 minutes and 30 seconds left in the fourth, Ball's back-to-back three-pointers essentially closed out the game. The Hornets stole the momentum in the third quarter by knocking down three-pointers. Ball had 15 points in the quarter, connecting on four-of-seven three-pointers. The Hornets made 53% of their three-pointers in the third, going nine for 17."
"Until their defensive issues in the second half, the Lakers were having some lighthearted fun. Doncic blew a kiss to the crowd and threw his hands in the air after drilling a first-quarter three. Doncic smiled at the Lakers' bench after shooting another three-pointer a short time later. During those moments, Doncic epitomized the kind of joy Lakers coach JJ Redick wants to see his team exhibit."
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 135-117 at Crypto.com Arena, fueled by 20 three-pointers and balanced scoring that saw four Hornets combine for over 100 points. LaMelo Ball scored 30 points, with 27 in the second half, and handed out 11 assists; his late back-to-back threes sealed the win. The Hornets dominated the third quarter, hitting nine of 17 threes (53%) as Ball scored 15 in that period. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 39 points and LeBron James added 29, but defensive lapses and cold shooting in the second half produced the Lakers' fourth loss in five games.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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