Overview: Doncic leads the charge in a comeback win
In Charlotte on November 10, 2025, Luka Dončić exploded for 38 points, highlighting a Lakers resurgence that carried them to a 121-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The win marked the Lakers’ sixth in their last seven games, underscoring a hot stretch that has Orleans fans mixing concern for the Hornets with admiration for Los Angeles’ late-season surge. While Dončić is widely associated with the Mavericks, this game saw him front-and-center for the Lakers, delivering a performance that energized the crowd and set the tone for a critical stretch of the schedule.
Third-quarter dominance: Rui Hachimura sparks the breakout
The turning point came in the third frame, when Rui Hachimura took command of the offense. Hachimura poured in 13 of his 21 points during the pivotal period, helping Los Angeles surge ahead and seize control after a competitive first half. His efficient scoring, paired with decisive ball movement and strong execution in transition, allowed the Lakers to stretch a modest advantage into a comfortable cushion. Fans were treated to a display of sustained intensity on both ends of the floor as Charlotte struggled to match the Lakers’ pace and discipline.
Key factors behind the Lakers’ success
- Third-quarter surge: The Lakers outscored the Hornets in the third by a wide margin, flipping the game’s momentum and setting the stage for a late push.
- Dončić’s versatility: With 38 points, the star guard showcased a blend of scoring, quick decision-making, and shot-making from multiple areas of the floor.
- Team depth: Beyond Dončić and Hachimura, the Lakers received timely contributions that kept pressure on Charlotte and prevented a potential comeback bid.
Charlotte’s fight and where the Hornets can build
Charlotte fought to stay in the game, but the Hornets couldn’t keep pace with Los Angeles once the third quarter got rolling. The game highlighted some of the issues the Hornets face defensively against high-caliber scorers, including the need for speed to close out drives and more consistent success from the perimeter. Still, there were bright spots for Charlotte, with players showing resilience and a willingness to compete for four quarters in a difficult matchup.
What this win means for the Lakers going forward
Heading into the next stretch, the Lakers will take the momentum from this win and channel it into a grittier, playoff-aspiring phase of the schedule. The blend of star power with a deeper roster gives Los Angeles confidence that they can handle high-pressure situations and maintain a strong win rate when their execution is crisp. The back-to-back performances from Dončić and Hachimura provide a blueprint for success as the team looks to sustain its recent run and tighten its grip on a favorable position in the standings.
Final takeaway
The Lakers’ 121-111 win over the Hornets was memorable not just for Dončić’s 38-point outburst, but for the third-quarter energy that defined the outcome. As the season progresses, this win serves as a reminder that the Lakers can win in multiple ways—through explosive individual scoring and cohesive team execution—when the stakes are high and the opposition is determined.
