CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Charlotte Hornets 112-107 on January 27, 2025, securing their fourth consecutive victory thanks to a remarkable performance from Anthony Davis.
Davis put the team on his back, scoring 42 points and grabbing 23 rebounds, leading the Lakers with authority. The All-Star center was particularly prolific in the first quarter, where he scored 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. His strong start helped the Lakers build an impressive 39-19 lead by the end of the first.
“I just try to play my game and help the team win,” Davis said after the game. His dominance under the rim left Hornets center Mark Williams struggling to keep pace, as Davis repeatedly found ways to score. It was clear from the outset the Lakers came prepared, shooting 14 of their first 16 attempts.
The Hornets faced significant challenges, including losing their leading scorer, LaMelo Ball, early in the second quarter to a left ankle injury sustained after stepping on Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot. Ball, who had been averaging 28.9 points per game, finished the night with just seven points before exiting.
Without Ball, the Hornets fell behind by as much as 23 points, but they displayed resilience. Miles Bridges, who led Charlotte with 26 points, stepped up to rally his team. The Hornets clawed their way back, managing to narrow the gap to just nine points by halftime with strong performances from Bridges and Josh Okogie, who added 19 points.
The second half saw Charlotte intensify their efforts, but defensive lapses cost them dearly. Despite closing the gap to as little as six with under a minute left, the Hornets seemed unable to complete the comeback.
Key moments included Dorian Finney-Smith’s electrifying dunk over Bridges, which pushed the momentum back to the Lakers. The final moments were tense, with Austin Reaves contributing 17 points and LeBron James adding 22 points, helping to stabilize the Lakers as they endured the Hornets' charge.
“I’m proud of how we fought back, but we need to finish these games,” Miles Bridges noted post-game, reflecting the disappointment following the Hornets’ inability to sustain their comeback.
Despite committing 19 turnovers and struggling with their three-point shooting—hitting just 6-for-28 (21.4 percent)—the Lakers maintained their lead through solid free-throw shooting when it mattered most. Davis closed the game by converting key free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
This win strengthens the Lakers' position within the playoff hunt, moving them to 26-18, firmly within the Western Conference's top tier. Conversely, the Hornets find themselves at 12-30, grappling with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will travel to Philadelphia for their next challenge on January 28, hoping to extend their winning streak to five games, whereas the Hornets will host the Brooklyn Nets, eager to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
The Lakers' ability to overcome early issues suggests their readiness for the intensity of the playoffs. With Davis and James still leading the charge, the 2025 season is shaping up to be promising for Los Angeles, notwithstanding the challenges faced by Charlotte.