Monday night, as they concluded their road journey against the Charlotte Hornets, the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to avoid a letdown following consecutive impressive victories over the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.

Despite losing seven consecutive games, the Hornets are not an opponent in the league that Los Angeles can disregard, given their difficulties this season. The Lakers would have completed a successful 4-2 road journey with a 27-25 record if they defeated the Hornets 124-118 to earn the victory.

As expected, the Lakers responded quickly to the Hornets’ shorthandedness, as Ish Smith scored six points in a span of six seconds to give his squad an 8-2 lead. However, D’Angelo Russell’s seven points for Los Angeles were a welcome response, and LeBron James and Anthony Davis then tied the game at 11.

From that point forward, Davis maintained his interior dominance, and Taurean Prince made a penetrating connection as the Lakers seized control. Despite this, Miles Bridges made an effort to keep the Hornets in the game with two early three-pointers, and the Lakers’ advantage was reduced to 37-29 at the end of the first quarter due to two foolish turnovers.

James initiated the second quarter in an offensive fashion, which increased the Laker advantage to double digits. LeBron then dunk a thunderous layup following consecutive three-pointers made by Russell.

The Lakers maintained their dominance thereafter, as Max Christie and Anthony Davis each contributed to the damage as playmakers and contributed to the Lakers’ 74-58 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Charlotte displayed considerable vigor as Bridges sank enormous dunks to reduce the deficit to 12.

However, Davis maintained a high level of double team passing, finding players like Prince to complete open three-pointers to reestablish the lead at 20. Davis recorded his third triple-double of the season and the second of his career in the final three minutes of play.

Nevertheless, after a Hornets timeout, Brandon Miller scored effectively to trim the Lakers’ lead to 100-86 at the conclusion of the third period.

Four fast points by Miller in the fourth quarter trimmed the deficit to ten. The Lakers required a response from that point forward, and Russell delivered with another three-pointer.

While attempting to keep the Hornets within striking distance, Bridges and Miller blocked one-after-the-other significant shots. However, ultimately, the Lakers were unable to contain James and Davis, and they were forced to cling to the victory.