In a high-scoring back-and-forth affair Thursday night, the Lakers led by 13 points in the second quarter before the Charlotte Hornets rallied to take a 15-point lead in the third quarter.
Ultimately, the Hornets retained the momentum they stole from the Lakers, rolling to a Victory 135-117 at Crypto.com Arena.
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Even with all Lakers starters scoring in double figures, led by That of Luka Doncic 39 points and LeBron James 29 points was not enough to prevent the Lakers’ fourth defeat in five games.
Learn more: Lakers’ JJ Redick defends LeBron James amid ‘unfortunate’ criticism
LaMelo Ball scored 27 of his team’s 30 second-half points for Charlotte and also finished with 11 assists. After the Lakers pulled to within 10 points with 2 minutes, 30 seconds left in the fourth, Ball’s consecutive three-pointers essentially closed out the game.
The Hornets stole the momentum in the third quarter by knocking down three points. Ball scored 15 points in the quarter, connecting on four of seven three-pointers. The Hornets made 53% of their three-pointers in the third, making nine of 17.
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Until their defensive issues in the second half, the Lakers were having light-hearted fun. Doncic blew a kiss to the crowd and raised his hands in the air after drilling a three in the first quarter. Doncic smiled at the Lakers bench after shooting another three-pointer shortly after.
During those moments, Doncic embodied the kind of joy that Lakers coach JJ Redick wants to see his team exhibit.
Charlotte forward Brandon Miller looks to get past Lakers star LeBron James in the first quarter on Thursday. (Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times)
“I think basketball is fun when you’re connected, and I think that’s the most important thing,” Redick said before the game. “I know there have been times in my career where whether I was playing well, whether we were winning, losing or playing poorly, it didn’t matter. When you don’t feel connected, it’s not as fun. And I think whether it’s a star player or a guy who’s like a fringe rotation player, you want to feel a part of it and you want to feel connected to your teammates to some extent and That’s what makes it enjoyable.”
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Doncic made sure the Lakers connected in the first quarter, scoring 19 points on seven-of-12 shooting, including a trio of threes. The Lakers made 14 three-pointers in the game, but it wasn’t enough to stop a more consistent Charlotte attack.
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Redick said backup center Jaxson Hayes underwent an MRI that revealed hamstring tendinopathy in his left leg. Hayes, who is averaging 6.3 points per game, has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. “It’s hopefully a short-term thing and hopefully he’ll be back at some point this weekend,” Redick said. The Lakers play at Portland on Saturday before facing the Toronto Raptors at home on Sunday.
Learn more: Luka Doncic plays and scores 27 points as Lakers beat Hawks
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
