### LaMelo Ball Shines as Hornets Overcome Lakers in a Stunning Victory The Charlotte Hornets delivered a surprising performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 135-117 on January 16, 2026. LaMelo Ball was the standout player, scoring 30 points, with 27 of those coming in a dominant second half. He tied his career high by sinking nine three-pointers, showcasing his shooting prowess and leading his team to victory despite Luka Doncic's impressive 39-point game for the Lakers. This win marks a significant moment for the Hornets as they continue their road trip, improving their record to 2-1 during this stretch [https://www.tsn.ca/nba/article/ball-hits-nine-three-pointers-to-lead-hornets-to-surprising-win-over-doncic-lakers]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Player Performances** - LaMelo Ball: 30 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 9 three-pointers. - Luka Doncic: 39 points, leading scorer for the Lakers. - Supporting players: Brandon Miller (26 points), Miles Bridges (25 points), and Kon Knueppel (19 points) contributed significantly to the Hornets' success. 2. **Game Dynamics** - The Hornets outscored the Lakers in the second half, with Ball's performance being pivotal. - The Lakers struggled defensively, allowing the Hornets to shoot 54.3% from the field. 3. **Implications of the Win** - The victory adds to the Lakers' woes, marking their fourth loss in five games. - The Hornets are gaining momentum on their road trip, indicating potential for future success. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Breakdown**: - LaMelo Ball: 30 points (27 in the second half), 9 three-pointers. - Luka Doncic: 39 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists. - Team Shooting Percentage: Hornets at **54.3%**, Lakers at **45.2%**. - **Additional Contributions**: - Brandon Miller: 26 points. - Miles Bridges: 25 points. - Kon Knueppel: 19 points. This data highlights the Hornets' offensive efficiency and the significant contributions from multiple players, which were crucial in securing the win [https://yournews.com/2026/01/16/6179845/lakers-keep-stumbling-fall-to-lamelo-ball-hornets-at-home]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Hornets **The Charlotte Hornets' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers represents a significant achievement, driven by LaMelo Ball's exceptional performance.** 1. **Key Players**: LaMelo Ball's scoring and playmaking were instrumental, supported by strong performances from teammates. 2. **Game Strategy**: The Hornets capitalized on their shooting efficiency, particularly in the second half, to secure the win. 3. **Future Outlook**: This victory could serve as a turning point for the Hornets as they continue their road trip, while the Lakers need to reassess their strategy to overcome their recent struggles. The Hornets' ability to perform under pressure and the emergence of LaMelo Ball as a leader could signal a promising season ahead for the team [https://abc7.com/post/lamelo-ball-hits-9-3-pointers-lead-hornets-surprising-135-117-win-lukas-lakers/18412934].