Lakers vs Hornets 112-107: Anthony outshines Lebron in LA victory, LaMelo injured

Anthony Davis scored 42 points, leading the Lakers past the Hornets 112-107. LaMelo Ball exited with an ankle injury.

Anthony Davis powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-107 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, scoring 42 points and grabbing 23 rebounds. The All-Star centre delivered 21 points in the opening quarter, helping the Lakers build a 23-point lead they maintained for most of the game.

 

 

 

 

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Davis’s 42-point performance, his third 40-point game of the season, came on 17-of-28 shooting from the field. He also pulled down eight offensive rebounds, finishing just three boards shy of his career high.

LeBron James added 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves contributed 17 points as the Lakers extended their winning streak to four games.

The Hornets faced an early setback when LaMelo Ball, their leading scorer, exited with a left ankle sprain after backpedaling off a 3-point jumper in the second quarter. Ball, who had seven points in nine minutes, did not return.

Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points and eight rebounds. Josh Okogie added 19 points, while Josh Green chipped in 15. Despite cutting a 23-point deficit to single digits multiple times, Charlotte couldn’t overcome their slow start.

Mark Williams, returning from injury, scored late to bring the Hornets within six points with 1:27 remaining. However, Dorian Finney-Smith responded with a driving bucket for the Lakers, and Davis sealed the game at the free-throw line after Green’s three free throws pulled Charlotte within three with 13.3 seconds left.

The Lakers, beginning a four-game East Coast stretch, survived despite 19 turnovers and a poor 21.4% performance from 3-point range. Their fast start proved crucial, as they bolted to a 42-19 lead early in the second quarter before Charlotte’s rally narrowed the gap to 59-51 by halftime.

Los Angeles maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second half, securing their sixth win in seven games. Charlotte, meanwhile, has now lost three of their last four outings.