LaMelo Ball Shines as Hornets Stun Lakers in 100-97 Upset

LaMelo Ball delivered a clutch performance, scoring 27 points to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a shocking 100-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in their first game after the NBA All-Star break.

Lakers Struggle Despite Home-Court Advantage

Originally postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires, the game saw LeBron James and Luka Dončić continue to struggle with chemistry, marking just their third appearance together since Dončić’s blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite a strong fourth quarter from James, who scored 16 of his 26 points late in the game, the Lakers fell short, extending their losing streak to two games. Dončić finished with 14 points and 11 assists, but the Lakers failed to find their rhythm.

Ball and Bridges Lead Hornets to Rare Victory

Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 29 points, but it was LaMelo Ball who proved decisive in crunch time ,scoring a layup and two clutch free throws in the final 15 seconds to secure the win.

James had two late three-point attempts to tie the game but missed both, sealing the Lakers’ fate.

Hornets Break Losing Streak, Lakers Drop to Fifth

The win marks just the second victory in 11 games for the Hornets, who remain 14th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference and will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back losses.