Lakers rusty in loss to Hornets 100-97

After a much-needed break, the Lakers got right to business to open up the second half of the season against the Hornets. From the start, the Lakers jumped all over the Hornets and at one point in the first half, had a double-digit lead. Despite jumping out to an early lead, the Hornets behind Miles Bridges and Melo Ball kept within striking distance of the Lakers. The last three minutes of the half was ugly. Both teams were very rusty and was forcing up shots; not to mention turning the ball over a ton. There was a combination of 20 turnovers in two quarters by both teams. At the end of the half, LA had 48-37 with James being the leader that he is with 10 points.

Going into the second half, the Lakers wanted to keep everything inside and out and take advantage of the mismatch inside. The Lakers were killing the Hornets with picking them off by cutting to the basket and or going right past the defender for an easy lay-in. However, things went a bit downhill as AK 15 was sent to the showers as he was ejected arguing a call. I don't know what happened to the offense, but the Lakers' offense struggled to find rhythm late in the third and the Hornets took advantage and went on a 12-4 run to take the lead, heading into the fourth.

Things got a bit intense and nerve wrecking late in the fourth. LeBron and Luka were stirring up magic as they started a 15-6 run to go up three. The tides started turn back to the Lakers side of the floor as everything started going their way. With under .30 ticks left in regulation, Melo broke Laker's fans as he slipped and rolled an easy lay-up to send the Lakers' packing. Ball finished with 27 and Bron finished with 26 points and 11 assists