By Jaina Pallasigui
Eagle News Service

LOS ANGELES (Eagle News) — The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets faced off in a thrilling matchup at the Crypto.com arena on December 23, 2022, in front of a packed crowd.

The Lakers got off to a slow start, with LeBron James missing two free throws to open the game. The Hornets, quickly responded with Lamelo Ball hitting a 3-pointer to start the scoring.

Despite some early mistakes from Russell Westbrook, the Lakers managed to take a 31-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Ball continued to ignite the Hornets’ offense in the second quarter with a 3-pointer on his first possession. The Hornets took the lead, but Laker Austin Reaves brought the arena to life with a clutch 4-point play, thanks to a flagrant foul from the Hornets.

The game was tied at 67 going into halftime, with James hitting a 3-pointer in the final seconds of the quarter.

In the second half, however, Los Angeles struggled to defend without their defensive leader, Anthony Davis. Charlotte pulled away with PJ Washington’s 24 points and six players scoring in double digits.

The Hornets continued to grow their lead to a comfortable margin, capitalizing on Laker turnovers.

After the game, Lakers Coach Darvin Ham expressed his frustration with Los Angeles’ “self-inflicted wounds” such as not getting stops in the paint or pulling through defensively.

Despite a 43-point fourth quarter rally led by James, the Lakers came up short. On a potential game winning Los Angeles possession, James lost his shoe and the ball while driving to the basket.

The Hornets earned the 134-130 win, extending the Lakers’ losing streak to three games. The Lakers now face the next five games on the road, starting with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

“We had our chances tonight,” James said postgame. “I’m not disappointed in our effort. I’m not disappointed in our guys. I just want to be out there and want to be able to win the game.”

(Eagle News Service)