Lakers fall to Hornets as defensive struggles continue

The Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to beat the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Charlotte entered the game with just 14 wins on the season, yet, they looked like the superior team, defeating Los Angeles 135-117.

The Hornets led by as much as 18 points, which was a testament to their fight, as they trailed by 13 early in the game. Charlotte saw LaMelo Ball score 30, Brandon Miller drop 26, and Miles Bridges add 25 points.

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Offense wasn’t necessarily the problem for the Lakers, as Luka Doncic scored 39 points and LeBron James added 29. It was their defense, which has been a thorn in their side all season long.

LA gave up 135 points to a team that averages around 116 points scored per game. That isn’t going to cut it if the Lakers want to win a championship.

The Lakers are the only team with a winning record that has been outscored by their opponents on the season. LA averages 116.5 points per game, while giving up 116.9 points per game.

The Lakers may need to look to trade for a defensive specialist. If not, their season will end early in the playoffs.

About the Author Published Jan 16, 2026

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1