After a thrilling 113-105 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers finished their road trip with a date in Charlotte. The Hornets welcomed LeBron James and Co. into town on Monday night. It was not pretty for Charlotte.

The Lakers shot 56% from the floor, despite missing 26 three-point attempts. As for the Hornets, they made 41% of their three-point attempts and you would think that mattered. It did not.

Los Angeles out-rebounded Charlotte 48-34, had more blocks (6 to 1) and dominated the paint. I mean dominated the painted area.

What You Need To Know

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the first half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 05, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
  • The Lakers’ Big Three shined again. King James played 40 minutes, scoring 26 points while pitching in seven assists and four rebounds. He did not make a single three-pointer.
  • Anthony Davis had a triple-double, with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. He was a point guard in high school after all.
  • D’Angelo Russell, despite being rumored on the trade block, has made his case to stay. He was 10-21 from the floor, scoring a team-high 28 points. Russell was also 5-12 from beyond the arc.
  • Christian Wood needs more minutes. 11 points and six rebounds in 10 minutes? Come on.
  • This was the second straight game with a starting lineup of Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James, and Davis.
  • Miles Bridges, for Charlotte, had a game-high 41 points. Rookie Brandon Miller chipped in 33 points. LaMelo Ball (ankle) was out.
  • Los Angeles shot 84.2% from the free-throw line.

Highlights Of The Game

Quote Of The Game

I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded, so, just play.

Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell on trade talks

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Featured Image: David Jensen/Getty Images

About Author

Nathan Nguyen

My name is Nathan Nguyen, a college student from the beautiful state of California. I cover the three major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB) for Belly Up Sports. Outside of my writing, I host the 3rd and 10 Podcast: an NFL show with a focus on the New York Giants. We are live every Monday and Thursday at 1 PM EST on YouTube. I also host the Piggin’ Out Podcast, which is live every Tuesday at 7 PM EST on the Belly Up Sports YouTube channel. Finally, I am one of the four members of the Korner Booth Podcast, and we are live every Monday and Thursday at 7 pm EST.

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