Thu Feb 20 05:30:00 UTC 2025: **Hornets Upset Lakers in Stunning Victory**
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a major upset Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 100-97 despite the presence of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 29 points, while LaMelo Ball added 27, including crucial free throws in the final seconds.
James, who scored 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, missed two crucial three-point attempts in the closing moments. Dončić, in his third game with the Lakers, contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, but shot poorly (5-of-18 from the field).
The Hornets mounted a significant comeback, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the third quarter with a 22-1 run fueled by a string of missed shots by the Lakers. Austin Reaves’ ejection late in the third quarter following a confrontation with a referee seemed to further disrupt the Lakers’ momentum.
Nick Smith Jr.’s go-ahead three-pointer with 48 seconds remaining proved pivotal. Although Dončić briefly put the Lakers back ahead, Smith’s clutch shooting and Ball’s late free throws sealed the victory for Charlotte, handing the Lakers their second loss following the All-Star break. The win marks only the Hornets’ second in their last 11 games. The Lakers’ seven-game home winning streak also came to an end. Both teams face games Thursday; the Hornets play in Denver, while the Lakers travel to Portland.
First Piper 