The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the second half of the NBA season with a disappointing 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite building a 13-point lead in the third quarter, the Lakers’ momentum stalled when they went six minutes without a field goal, allowing the Hornets to take control of the game at Crypto.com Arena. A late LeBron James-led comeback erased a nine-point deficit, but the Hornets managed to hold on for the win. The loss dropped the Lakers to 32-21 on the season and 1-2 since Luka Dončić joined the lineup. Dončić, who has been adjusting to his new team and recovering from an injury, struggled with efficiency, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting (1-of-9 from 3-point range) to go along with 11 rebounds, eight assists, and six turnovers. Foul trouble plagued him throughout the game, and down the stretch, it was Hornets guard LaMelo Ball who took charge, often at Dončić’s expense.
James, however, continued to shine, scoring 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting while adding 11 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two turnovers. More than half of his points came in the fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when the game was on the line. His performance was a reminder of his enduring value to the Lakers, even as the team works to integrate Dončić into the lineup. While Dončić has shown flashes of brilliance, his early struggles with the Lakers are a reminder that adjusting to a new team and system takes time. After scoring 14 points in his debut and 16 in his second game, Dončić’s offensive efficiency has dipped, and he’s yet to crack 20 points or find consistent rhythm. Some of his turnovers against the Hornets were uncharacteristically sloppy, raising questions about when he’ll fully settle into his role.
The game against the Hornets carried additional intrigue due to the failed trade deadline move that would have brought Charlotte’s Mark Williams to Los Angeles. Williams, who was expected to become Dončić’s primary lob threat in the paint, was set to join the Lakers but had the trade rescinded after a concerning physical. Instead, the Lakers turned to Jaxson Hayes and newly signed Alex Len to fill the void in the frontcourt. Williams, meanwhile, had a moment of vindication, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds in Charlotte’s win. Hayes and Len combined for just eight points and five rebounds, highlighting the gap left by the failed trade. While the Hornets celebrated the victory, Williams was seen interacting with Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, who would have been sent to Charlotte if the trade had gone through. The moment served as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA trade process.
As the Lakers continue to find their footing, head coach J.J. Redick opted to use a 10-man rotation against the Hornets, reflecting the team’s efforts to integrate new players and find the right balance. Players like Alex Len, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Knecht each saw at least 10 minutes off the bench, showcasing the depth Redick is trying to harness. However, the rotation was reduced to nine players midway through the game when Austin Reaves was ejected for arguing a call and picking up a double technical foul. The game itself was a mixed bag for both teams, with neither side playing at their best. Despite building a lead, the Lakers committed a high number of turnovers, while the Hornets struggled with their shooting, finishing at just 36.3% from the field. Charlotte’s slight edges in rebounding, turnovers, and 3-point shooting proved decisive, but both teams left room for improvement.
The bigger question for the Lakers is when Dončić will fully find his rhythm. While it’s understandable for a player of his caliber to take time adjusting to a new team and recovering from an injury, his early struggles are beginning to draw attention. Through three games with the Lakers, Dončić is shooting just 16 of 45 from the field, and his eight turnovers against the Hornets were a far cry from the polished play fans are accustomed to seeing from him. The Lakers are still in a strong position at 32-21, with ample time to work out the kinks before the playoffs. Their next game, a Thursday matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half of a back-to-back, will provide another opportunity to build chemistry and find consistency.
For now, the Lakers remain a work in progress, and much of their success will hinge on Dončić’s ability to settle into the offense and form a cohesive partnership with James. While there are growing pains, the team has the talent and depth to navigate this transition and make a deep playoff run. The loss to the Hornets served as a reminder that even with a star-studded roster, the road to greatness requires time, effort, and adjustments. As the Lakers look to the future, the focus will be on getting Dončić back to his peak form while ensuring the rest of the roster contributes in ways that complement their two franchise cornerstones. The journey is just getting started, and the Lakers’ ultimate success will depend on their ability to come together and play to their potential.
