Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to hit their stride, an encouraging sign as the NBA’s trade deadline looms with its usual blend of anticipation and speculation. He notched his third career triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, propelling the Lakers to a 124-118 victory over a depleted Charlotte Hornets squad.
This win marks the Lakers’ third consecutive triumph, further sweetened by D’Angelo Russell’s 28 points and LeBron James’s contribution of 26 points. The victory was a fitting conclusion to their road trip, where they went 4-2, gathering valuable momentum.
In reflecting on the team’s potential, Davis emphasized their capability to overcome any league opponent, crediting their defensive efforts and cohesive play for their recent successes. The future composition of the Lakers, post-trade deadline, remains uncertain amidst swirling trade rumors, particularly concerning their status as In-Season Tournament champions.
“When we put our minds to it, we can beat any team in this league,” Davis said. “We lost two we felt like we should have won, and we won two that the people in Nevada thought we should lose. When we buckle down defensively and play the right way, we are a tough team to beat.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
In addressing queries about the team’s readiness for an NBA title chase, LeBron James expressed his satisfaction with the current roster, sidestepping speculation in favor of team unity.
“That’s not a question for me. I love what we have in the locker room and that is all I worry about,” James said. “It isn’t like, ‘I can’t stand you.’ I don’t get caught up in that.”
On the Hornets’ side, Miles Bridges shined with a career-high 41 points, while rookie Brandon Miller continued his impressive run with 33 points, including five 3-pointers, despite the team’s eighth consecutive loss. Miller’s scoring feats, especially notable for a Hornets rookie, underscored his growing confidence and the supportive dynamic within the team.
“I think that shows a lot of confidence,” Miller said. “Hats off to my teammates for coming in every day and building my confidence to take the shots that I take in tough matchups like this with the crowd going. It’s really all my teammates not just me. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t take those shots.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Lakers showcased their offensive prowess right from the start, shooting 64% in the first half and establishing a 74-58 lead by halftime. Highlights included Russell’s and James’s scoring runs, with James also delivering memorable dunks and an alley-oop to Davis.
Despite facing double teams, Davis’s performance was a testament to his preparation and ability to read the game, attributed by Lakers coach Darvin Ham to diligent study and communication.
“He’s seen just about everything,” Ham said. “Just the film study, the breakdowns we go through, him being vocal, him being communicative in terms of what he’s seeing, and where he needs guys to be positioned so he can make the right reads. He’s been doing all the homework he needs to do, and so that’s why you see the top results.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Los Angeles widened their lead in the third quarter, but the Hornets, fueled by Miller’s 16 fourth-quarter points, narrowed the gap to four points with two minutes left. However, a pivotal play by Davis and subsequent free throws by Austin Reaves clinched the Lakers’ victory.
The game highlighted individual milestones and set the stage for the Lakers’ next outing against the Denver Nuggets and the Hornets’ upcoming game against the Toronto Raptors as both teams navigate the season’s unfolding dynamics.
