As LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers took on LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets, fans were thrilled that King James was still playing at a high level. The NBA world is well aware of the Lakers’ significant roster changes after trading for Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks.
Having James and Dončić on the same squad certainly makes the Lakers one of the most talented teams in the entire NBA. However, their most recent game against the Hornets proves that they still have a lot to figure out before the playoffs begin.
LeBron James Leads Lakers After Missing the All-Star Game
Heading into this matchup against Charlotte, some fans wondered if the four-time NBA champion would suit up for the occasion. After all, he did not play in the All-Star Game due to lingering ankle and foot discomfort.
While fans may have been worried, James showed up for the game against the Hornets and did not disappoint. Although he was unable to lead his group to victory, he finished the night with a team-high 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. The Lakers ended up losing 100-97 and were outscored 32-18 by the Hornets in the third quarter.
LEBRON JAMES WITH AN INSANE POSTER DUNK OVER MARK WILLIAMS 🤯pic.twitter.com/laG5zHRVF9
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2025
James added to his legendary highlight reel by throwing down a dunk on Mark Williams in the fourth quarter. Dončić passed James the ball and simply had to watch as the King drove to the rim and put Williams in a poster. This move elicited a great deal of emotions from Lakers fans in the building and even had Bronny James in awe.
Some may remember that the Lakers had attempted to make a trade for Williams but were unable to follow through. Although dunking on him certainly sends a message, the fact remains that the Lakers lost to the Hornets despite being considered a better team.
Dončić has not played a lot alongside James and the Lakers, so finishing the night with just 14 points should not be criticized too harshly. After all, Dončić also had 12 rebounds and eight assists. That implies he is adapting to a slightly different role on the Lakers.
Since both James and Dončić are considered to be two of the best passers in league history, there is no denying that they will be able to generate offense. However, fans who wish to see the two of them win a championship together in the near future know that the Lakers need to improve drastically on the defensive end of the court.
