Hornets Begin West Coast Road Trip 0-2 With Loss to Lakers

The Hornets lost their second consecutive game in Los Angeles.

Playing their second game in Southern California in three nights, the Charlotte Hornets faced a significant challenge in going up against the Los Angeles Lakers with several important players out of the lineup yet again. 

Prior to tipoff, Gordon Hayward was ruled out which put the Hornets down three of their top eight players. Despite this, they put up a solid fight for much of the first half and led by as many as nine points. 

But as the game wore on, Charlotte's lack of depth began to show through. The Lakers' hot shooting and refined offensive play proved to be too much for the Hornets. 

Several players put up impressive performances for Charlotte, but it was not enough and the Hornets fell 133-112. 

Best of the night:

After missing last game against the Clippers due to an ankle sprain, Brandon Miller was excellent for the Hornets on Thursday. He continued his underrated rookie campaign with 17 points, two assists, one steal and one block while shooting 5-for-9 from the floor. 

Worst of the night:

Turnovers plagued the Hornets yet again against the Lakers. They gave the ball away 19 times and finished -8 in turnover margin. In a game that was close for much of the contest, giving away free possessions was part of what allowed the home team to blow the game open. 

Stat of the night: 

Charlotte gave up 62 points in the paint on Thursday and had difficulty containing Anthony Davis, who feasted on the interior at both ends of the floor. The Hornets are in desperate need of Mark Williams' return. 

Highlight of the night: 

In the third quarter, Jarred Vanderbilt ran the fast break for the Lakers. Chasing him down was Miles Bridges, who erased Vanderbilt's layup attempt in emphatic fashion with his athleticism. 

Bl🚫cked@MilesBridges | #LetsFly35 pic.twitter.com/Y0r8XiqMMO

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 29, 2023

The Hornets will return to action Friday night in Phoenix, where they will take on the Suns at 9:00 PM ET. 

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