LaMelo Ball sparked a sensational second-half comeback as the Charlotte Hornets stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 100-97 on Wednesday, securing only their fifth road win of the NBA season. Ball finished with 27 points, including five three-pointers, while Miles Bridges led Charlotte’s scoring with 29 points.
The Lakers, featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the starting lineup, seemed in control after building a 13-point lead at 65-52 late in the third quarter. However, Ball’s inspired shooting and the ejection of Lakers guard Austin Reaves shifted momentum in favor of the Hornets.
Trailing by double digits, Charlotte unleashed a 17-1 run, highlighted by Seth Curry’s 26-foot three-pointer that gave them a 69-66 lead heading into the final quarter. Ball then drained two quick threes, pushing the Hornets ahead 75-66 as the Lakers scrambled to respond.
The Lakers fought back, narrowing the gap to two points before James’ running layup briefly restored their lead at 78-77. Yet, the Hornets refused to fold. A 30-foot three-pointer from Bridges put Charlotte ahead 93-90 with under two minutes remaining. Though Luka Doncic answered with a layup to reclaim the lead for Los Angeles, Nick Smith Jr.’s clutch three-pointer put the Hornets back in front for good.
Ball sealed the victory with four crucial points in the final moments, while James missed two potential game-tying three-pointers as time expired.
James led the Lakers with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Doncic recorded a near triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists but struggled with ball control, committing six turnovers.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick acknowledged the impact of Reaves’ ejection but attributed the loss to an overall lackluster offensive performance following the mid-season NBA All-Star break.
“I think we played 39 to 44 minutes of pretty poor offense,” Redick said. “Some of that’s to be expected after six days off. Our competitive spirit was there, but we were just really poor offensively for 90 percent of the game.”
The defeat leaves the Lakers in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 32-21 record, while the Hornets, though still near the bottom of the standings, will hope this upset sparks a late-season resurgence.
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