The game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena was surrounded by drama, following the Lakers’ decision to rescind the trade for Mark Williams. Many expected it to be a heated “revenge game,” and the Hornets didn’t disappoint.
Despite LeBron James having two crucial opportunities to force overtime, he couldn’t convert either, which paved the way for Charlotte to pull off a thrilling 100-97 comeback victory. The Hornets’ electrifying 14-0 run late in the game was the difference-maker in this intense showdown.
With the win, the Hornets improved their season record to 14-29, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. Though still a long shot for playoff contention, the victory was a morale booster, especially after snapping their three-game losing streak.
On the other hand, the Lakers were left reeling from their second consecutive loss. With the loss, they dropped to a 32-21 record, holding onto the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Miles Bridges And LaMelo Ball Lead Charlotte To Acquire Crucial Win Over The Los Angeles Lakers
Miles Bridges delivered an electric performance to lead the Hornets. He wrapped up the game with 29 points, six rebounds, and five steals.
🏀 WEDNESDAY'S FINAL SCORES 🏀
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2025
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
LaMelo Ball added 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and knocking down five three-pointers. Ball’s clutch shooting helped Charlotte close the gap in the fourth quarter. Williams proved his value with 10 points, nine rebounds, and one assist in 29 minutes of play. Nick Smith Jr. added 12 points in the win.
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LeBron James led the Lakers with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, shooting 10-of-22 from the field. Luka Doncic finished with 14 points on a poor 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 chipped in eight points each.
The Hornets will look to build on this momentum when they face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Lakers aim to bounce back against the Portland Trail Blazers.
