The Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats have given basketball fans some thrilling matchups over the years, and their recent games in the 2024-25 NBA season are no exception. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys catching a game now and then, diving into the player stats from these games reveals the heart of the action—those moments of brilliance, grit, and teamwork that make basketball so exciting. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their February 19, 2025, clash, where the Hornets edged out the Lakers 100-97, and sprinkle in some context from their January 27, 2025, game for a fuller picture. We’ll keep things clear, engaging, and easy to follow, with a table summarizing key performances to make the stats pop. Let’s get into it!
A Thrilling Showdown: February 19, 2025
The February 19, 2025, game at Crypto.com Arena was a nail-biter, with the Charlotte Hornets pulling off a surprising 100-97 victory over the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers. This game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a showcase of individual talent, clutch plays, and some unexpected twists, like Austin Reaves’ ejection in the third quarter. Let’s unpack the standout performances and what the numbers tell us about how this game unfolded.
Charlotte Hornets: Key Performers
The Hornets came into this game as underdogs, sitting at 14-39 on the season, while the Lakers were 32-21. But Charlotte’s young core and gritty playstyle turned the tables. Here’s a look at the players who made the difference:
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Miles Bridges: Bridges was the star of the night, dropping 29 points, including five three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and attack the rim was crucial, especially in the third quarter when Charlotte went on a 20-1 run to flip the game. He also added 7.5 rebounds per game this season, showing his all-around impact. His clutch three-pointer late in the game helped seal the deal.
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LaMelo Ball: LaMelo was electric, contributing 27 points and showcasing his flair with 24.5 shot attempts per game this season, a big jump from last year’s 19.2. Despite Austin Reaves blocking one of his three-point attempts, Ball’s 31-foot step-back three and playmaking (likely around his season average of 3.9 assists) kept the Hornets’ offense flowing. His ability to create shots for himself and others was a game-changer.
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Nick Smith Jr.: While not the headliner, Smith Jr. had a mixed night, missing several shots (0-for-5 on threes, 0-for-3 on twos) but still managing a 28-foot three-pointer assisted by Mark Williams. His hustle and willingness to shoot kept the Lakers’ defense honest.
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Mark Williams: The big man made an impact in the paint, throwing down a layup assisted by Smith Jr. and likely contributing to Charlotte’s 45.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 9th in the NBA. His presence inside helped counter the Lakers’ frontcourt.
The Hornets’ success came from their ability to capitalize on the Lakers’ mistakes, especially in the third quarter, where they outscored L.A. significantly. Their 43.0% field goal percentage (30th in the league) didn’t tell the whole story—clutch shooting and hustle plays made the difference.
Los Angeles Lakers: Who Stood Out?
The Lakers, despite the loss, had their share of standout performances. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the way, they fought hard but couldn’t overcome Charlotte’s momentum. Here’s how their key players performed:
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LeBron James: The King was in full force, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 16 of his 26 points. He also racked up 11 assists, seven rebounds, and two blocks, showing why he’s still one of the NBA’s best at 40. However, his two missed three-pointers in the final moments were costly. LeBron’s all-around game (think 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists by halftime) kept the Lakers in it, but it wasn’t enough.
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Luka Dončić: In his third game with the Lakers, Dončić struggled offensively, scoring just 14 points on a rough shooting night. However, he pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out eight assists, showing his value as a playmaker and rebounder. His fadeaway jumper and fastbreak layup were highlights, but his three-point shooting (1-for-who-knows-how-many) was off.
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Rui Hachimura: Hachimura chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds, including a dunk assisted by Dončić. His 10 points and five rebounds by halftime were solid, but missed free throws late in the game hurt the Lakers’ comeback chances.
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Dorian Finney-Smith: The veteran forward went 4-for-6 from three, finishing with 12 points. His shooting stretched Charlotte’s defense, but it wasn’t enough to counter their third-quarter surge.
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Austin Reaves: Reaves’ night ended early after an ejection with 3:17 left in the third quarter, following two technical fouls. He had eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks before exiting, but his absence left the Lakers shorthanded.
The Lakers shot 43.2% from the field and 30.8% from three in the first half, but turnovers (11 by halftime) and Charlotte’s hot shooting in the third quarter doomed them. Despite a late push, they couldn’t close the gap.
Key Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats Table: February 19, 2025
Here’s a clear, easy-to-read table summarizing the top performers’ stats from the February 19, 2025, game:
|
Player |
Team |
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Miles Bridges |
Hornets |
29 | 7 | 3 |
5 three-pointers, clutch shooting |
|
LaMelo Ball |
Hornets |
27 | ~5 | ~4 |
31-foot step-back three, playmaking |
|
Nick Smith Jr. |
Hornets |
3 | ~2 | 1 |
28-foot three-pointer, missed multiple shots |
|
Mark Williams |
Hornets |
~6 | ~6 | 1 |
Layup, strong paint presence |
|
LeBron James |
Lakers |
26 | 7 | 11 |
16 points in 4th, missed game-tying threes |
|
Luka Dončić |
Lakers |
14 | 11 | 8 |
Struggled shooting, strong rebounding |
|
Rui Hachimura |
Lakers |
17 | 8 | 3 |
Dunk, missed key free throws |
|
Dorian Finney-Smith |
Lakers |
12 | ~3 | ~1 |
4-for-6 from three |
|
Austin Reaves |
Lakers |
8 | 2 | 2 |
Ejected in 3rd, two blocks |
Note: Some rebound and assist numbers are estimated based on season averages and game descriptions, as exact stats for every player weren’t fully detailed in sources.
Context from January 27, 2025: A Different Story
To give a fuller picture, let’s look at the earlier matchup on January 27, 2025, where the Lakers beat the Hornets 112-107. This game showcased different dynamics, with Anthony Davis dominating and Charlotte fighting back but falling short.
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Anthony Davis: Davis was a force, dropping 42 points and grabbing 23 rebounds. His first-quarter explosion helped the Lakers build a 23-point lead. His 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season underline his consistency as a two-way star.
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LaMelo Ball: Ball was again a key figure for Charlotte, hitting a 31-foot step-back three and assisting on plays like Nick Smith Jr.’s 10-foot jumper. His high shot volume (around 24.5 attempts per game) showed his growing confidence.
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Miles Bridges: Bridges contributed, though not as dominantly as in February, with a dunk assisted by DaQuan Jeffries and a missed three-point attempt. His 20.3 points per game and 43.1% field goal percentage this season make him a reliable scorer.
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Nick Smith Jr.: Smith Jr. had a better shooting night here, making a 10-foot jumper but still missing a three and a driving floater. His role as a spark off the bench was evident.
The Lakers’ early lead, powered by Davis, was too much for Charlotte to overcome, despite a late rally. This game highlighted the Hornets’ resilience but also their struggle to match L.A.’s star power when Davis is on fire.
Team Dynamics and Trends
Looking at the bigger picture, the Hornets and Lakers have a storied history, with the Lakers leading 43-26 in regular-season matchups since 2005. Charlotte’s win on February 19 was a rare upset, driven by their third-quarter surge and the Lakers’ 11 turnovers. The Hornets’ 80% spread win rate in their last five games against L.A. shows they’ve been competitive, even if their 14-39 record suggests otherwise.
For the Lakers, the February loss was part of a rough patch, as they also dropped a game to Utah around the All-Star break. Their 32-21 record reflects a talented but inconsistent squad, especially with Dončić still adjusting to the team. LeBron’s leadership and Davis’ dominance (when healthy) keep them in playoff contention, but turnovers and late-game execution need work.
Why These Stats Matter
Player stats aren’t just numbers—they tell the story of the game. Miles Bridges’ 29 points and LaMelo Ball’s 27 points in February show how Charlotte’s young stars can steal a game from a powerhouse like the Lakers. LeBron’s 26 points and 11 assists, despite the loss, remind us why he’s a legend. Meanwhile, Dončić’s off-night shooting but strong rebounding highlights his versatility, even in defeat.
For fans, these stats offer insights into momentum swings (like Charlotte’s 20-1 run), clutch moments (Bridges’ late three), and costly mistakes (L.A.’s turnovers and Reaves’ ejection). They also show how individual efforts—like Davis’ 42-point, 23-rebound game in January—can shape a team’s fate.
Where to Find More Stats
Want to dig deeper? Sites like NBA.com, ESPN, and Sofascore offer detailed box scores, shot charts, and quarter-by-quarter breakdowns for games like these. You can see exactly when Charlotte’s 14-0 run flipped the February game or how Davis’ first-quarter outburst set the tone in January. These platforms also track head-to-head trends and player averages, giving you a full view of the matchup.
Final Thoughts
The Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats in the 2024-25 season were a tale of two teams with different goals. The Hornets, led by Bridges and Ball, showed they can punch above their weight with hustle and timely shooting. The Lakers, with LeBron, Dončić, and Davis, remain a powerhouse but need to iron out inconsistencies. Whether you’re marveling at LaMelo’s flair, LeBron’s clutch plays, or Davis’ dominance, the player stats from these games tell a story of passion, skill, and heart-pounding moments.