THE LA Lakers started the new year on a good note by beating the Charlotte Hornets 121-115. 

This is a game that is not as close as it appears to be. The Lakers led in double figures in both the end of the second and third quarters.

Los Angeles superstar Lebron James had a big game with 43 points, 11 rebounds  and 6 assists. He’s been on a good streak where he’s been averaging 34.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists in his last 10 games. There seems to be no slowing down for the recently turned 38 year old.

LA was ahead by as many as 18 points at the end of the third quarter with Kendrick Nunn making  a 23-foot three-pointer with 6 seconds left in the quarter which was just three points of the five he contributed the whole game. 

Center Thomas Bryant followed his big game at Atlanta with another double double. He contributed 18 points and 15 rebounds. Troy Brown Jr. made 50 percent of his 3-point shots for 12 points. While Dennis Shroder and Austin Reaves chipped in 15 points a piece.

Russel Westbrook’s night ended early for “left foot soreness”. He didn’t return in the second half and ended up scoring only two points from 1-8 shooting.

The Hornets were led by Terry Rozier’s 27 points and LaMelo Ball’s 24 points. They actually cut an 18 point deficit to 10 points with 7 minutes left in the fourth before the Lakers kept them at bay. They did make the score respectable in the final two minutes of the game.

The Lakers travel back home to Los Angeles to face Miami Thursday 11am (Manila time), hopefully to avenge a road loss last week. 

Photo Courtesy NBA