LakersNow

Is the Slovenian superstar the early MVP favorite? See how he engineered a comeback win for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Charlotte Hornets.

In a high-octane NBA clash on November 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Charlotte Hornets 121-111, powered by Luka Dončić’s masterful 38-point, 7-assist performance. Rui Hachimura added 21 points on sizzling efficiency, Austin Reaves chipped in 24 points and 7 dimes, while Marcus Smart locked down the perimeter with 7 steals. For Charlotte, Miles Bridges erupted for 34 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ rebounding edge and fast-break dominance.

First Quarter Fireworks: Lakers Build Early Momentum

The game tipped off with Deandre Ayton winning the jump ball, setting the tone for LA’s interior presence. Luka Dončić wasted no time, scoring 13 points in the opening frame—including a step-back triple and a putback layup. Austin Reaves answered Charlotte’s early runs with fadeaways and free throws, while the Hornets leaned on Miles Bridges’ hot hand from deep. Despite 14 lead changes, the Lakers closed the quarter up 36-40 after a Dalton Knecht three.

Second Quarter Surge: Hornets Fight Back

Charlotte flipped the script in Q2, with Kon Knueppel draining triples and Ryan Kalkbrenner controlling the paint. The Hornets built a 63-65 halftime lead behind crisp ball movement (28 team assists). Luka Dončić kept LA close with pull-up jumpers and a buzzer-beating layup off a Marcus Smart dish, trailing by just two at the break.

Third Quarter Domination: Lakers Pull Away

The Los Angeles Lakers exploded out of halftime. Rui Hachimura caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling back-to-back threes, while Luka Dončić orchestrated pick-and-rolls for easy Ayton buckets. Marcus Smart’s relentless defense generated steals that fueled transition scoring. By quarter’s end, LA led 96-78 after a Dončić triple at the horn.

Fourth Quarter Drama: Hornets Rally, Lakers Hold Firm

Charlotte refused to fold. Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel combined for clutch threes, cutting the deficit to 7. But Luka Dončić answered every punch—hitting a pull-up jumper and finding Hachimura for a fadeaway. With seconds ticking down, Marcus Smart stole the ball and iced the game at the line, sealing the Lakers victory.