Lakers sting Hornets behind another LeBron outing.
CHARLOTTE — The Lakers push past the Hornets in a scrappy back-and-forth battle behind a 43-point night from LeBron, beating Charlotte 121–115 for their second straight win to improve their season record to 16–21.
“I think we came out with a defensive focus, just really guys being engaged,” said head coach Darvin Ham.
In his second straight game with 40 or more points, LeBron joined Michael Jordan as the only two players in NBA history to have back-to-back games with 40 or more points at age 35 or older (according to NBA history).
“It’s always a blessing when you’re able to put on the uniform and play in front of fans that have watched me for the last 20 years,” said LeBron to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell after Monday’s win.
LeBron finished with 43 points on 16-for-26 (61%) shooting from the floor, adding 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal in 43 minutes of action.
Thomas Bryant has stepped up for the Lakers in place of the injured Anthony Davis, finishing his second straight game with 15 plus points and 15 plus rebounds.
Bryant finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds, going 9-for-17 overall from the field with 2 assists and 1 steal in 36 minutes.
After putting up some of his worst outings of the season in the last two games, scoring just five points on 1-for-13 shooting in the Lakers' last two games, Austin Reaves was due for a big game, redeeming himself with a solid spark from the bench for Los Angeles.
“I hold myself to a high standard. I truthfully believe every ball I shoot should go in,” said Reaves.
Reaves finished with 15 points on 2-for-2 (100%) shooting from three and 5-for-7 (71%) overall, adding 7 assists and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Lakers will return home from their five-game road trip to play the 20–18 Miami Heat this Wednesday at 7:00 PM on Spectrum SportsNet and ESPN.
