Fri Jan 16 05:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Hornets Stun Lakers in Los Angeles Behind LaMelo Ball’s Explosive Second Half

The Story:
LaMelo Ball exploded for 27 of his 30 points in the second half, including tying a career-high nine 3-pointers, as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 135-117 on Thursday night. Despite a strong performance from Luka Doncic, who scored 39 points, and 29 from LeBron James, the Lakers struggled to contain the Hornets’ offense, which saw significant contributions from Brandon Miller (26 points), Miles Bridges (25 points), and rookie Kon Knueppel (19 points). This victory marks another impressive road win for the Hornets, following their upset against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Key Points:

  • LaMelo Ball scored 30 points, with 27 coming in the second half.
  • Ball tied his career-high with nine 3-pointers.
  • Brandon Miller scored 26 points for the Hornets.
  • Luka Doncic scored 39 points for the Lakers, and LeBron James scored 29.
  • The Hornets outscored the Lakers 105-86 in the final three quarters.
  • The Lakers’ bench only contributed nine points on 4-for-19 shooting.
  • The game took place on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Critical Analysis:

(Omitted as the provided context lacks depth.)

Key Takeaways:

  • LaMelo Ball continues to demonstrate his star potential, capable of single-handedly taking over games.
  • The Hornets are showing flashes of brilliance and are capable of upsetting top teams, especially on the road.
  • The Lakers’ struggles highlight their inconsistency and reliance on their star players, with limited bench production.
  • The Hornets’ victory emphasizes the importance of team contributions and balanced scoring.
  • The Lakers’ loss to a sub-.500 team raises concerns about their competitiveness and playoff prospects.

Impact Analysis:

(Omitted as the provided context lacks long-term implications.)

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