Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats

The charlotte hornets vs lakers match player stats from the February 20, 2025 matchup tell a much more interesting story than the final score alone. Charlotte defeated Los Angeles 100-97 at Crypto.com Arena, overcoming an early deficit and holding the Lakers level through a tense fourth quarter. The Hornets entered the game with a 14-39 record and a 5-19 mark on the road, while the Lakers were 32-21 overall and 19-7 at home.

For anyone studying this game through a box-score lens, the most important detail is how Charlotte combined efficient shooting from three-point range, excellent free-throw accuracy, defensive activity, and timely scoring from Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. The Lakers actually shot better overall from the field and collected more rebounds and assists, but those advantages did not translate into a victory.

This game was also notable because it came immediately after the All-Star break and featured Luka Doncic in his third game with the Lakers. Doncic produced 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while LeBron James recorded 26 points and 11 assists. Those numbers show that individual production and team success were not perfectly aligned on this night.

Table of Contents

Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The game was played on February 20, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The matchup had originally been scheduled for January 9 before being rescheduled.

Charlotte won 100-97 after trailing through the first half. The quarter-by-quarter scoring explains the turnaround:

Quarter	Charlotte Hornets	Los Angeles Lakers
1st	21	28
2nd	16	20
3rd	32	18
4th	31	31
Total	100	97

The Lakers led 48-37 at halftime, giving them an 11-point advantage. Charlotte then produced a 32-point third quarter while limiting Los Angeles to 18 points.

That 14-point swing in the third quarter was the turning point.

The fourth quarter finished 31-31, meaning the Lakers could not recover the ground they had lost during the third period.

The final three-point margin also illustrates why late-game possessions mattered so much. Neither team separated itself in the final quarter, so Charlotte’s third-quarter recovery effectively became the difference between winning and losing.

Team Statistical Comparison

The basic team numbers reveal an unusual result.

Category	Hornets	Lakers
Points	100	97
Field Goals	33-91	37-90
Field Goal %	36%	41%
3-Pointers	18-53	15-51
3-Point %	34%	29%
Free Throws	16-17	8-12
Free Throw %	94%	67%
Rebounds	47	50
Assists	20	29
Turnovers	17	18
Steals	12	7
Blocks	4	4

At first glance, Los Angeles appears to have had several statistical advantages.

The Lakers made four more field goals, shot five percentage points better overall, collected three additional rebounds, and recorded nine more assists.

Yet Charlotte won.

The explanation begins with three-point shooting and free throws.

Charlotte made 18 three-pointers compared with 15 for Los Angeles. The Hornets also converted 94% of their free throws, making 16 of 17 attempts. Los Angeles converted only eight of 12 attempts from the line.

That produced a meaningful scoring advantage despite Charlotte’s lower field-goal percentage.

The Three-Point Difference

Charlotte attempted 53 three-pointers and made 18.

Los Angeles attempted 51 and made 15.

The difference was only three made threes, but three-point baskets are especially important in a close game. Those extra makes contributed to Charlotte’s ability to overcome its lower overall field-goal percentage.

The Hornets shot 34% from beyond the arc, compared with 29% for Los Angeles.

That five-percentage-point difference was significant because both teams relied heavily on perimeter attempts.

Free-Throw Accuracy

Charlotte’s 16-for-17 performance from the free-throw line was one of the cleanest parts of its offensive execution.

The Lakers went 8-for-12.

Charlotte therefore scored eight more points from the free-throw line while taking only five additional attempts.

In a three-point game, those points matter.

Miles Bridges Leads Charlotte

Miles Bridges was Charlotte’s leading scorer and one of the defining players in the matchup.

He finished with:

29 points
9-for-22 shooting
5-for-11 from three-point range
6-for-7 from the free-throw line
6 rebounds
5 steals
1 block
2 turnovers
+4 plus/minus

Bridges played 33 minutes.

His five made three-pointers were especially important because Charlotte needed perimeter scoring against a Lakers team that finished the game with a better overall field-goal percentage.

Bridges also generated defensive value through five steals. That number stands out because Charlotte recorded 12 steals as a team, five more than Los Angeles.

His six free throws made also helped Charlotte maintain its scoring efficiency.

Bridges did not need to dominate every statistical category. His combination of scoring, perimeter shooting, rebounding, and defensive activity made his overall contribution highly significant.

LaMelo Ball Provides Offensive Creation

LaMelo Ball finished with 27 points, making him Charlotte’s second-highest scorer.

His line was:

27 points
9-for-19 field goals
5-for-13 three-pointers
4-for-4 free throws
5 rebounds
6 assists
1 steal
3 turnovers
+8 plus/minus

Ball’s 27 points came on efficient 9-for-19 shooting.

He also made five three-pointers, matching Bridges in made threes.

The six assists were equally important because Charlotte did not depend entirely on individual scoring. Ball helped create opportunities for teammates while still carrying a large part of the scoring responsibility.

His +8 plus/minus was also the highest among Charlotte’s starters.

When Bridges and Ball are viewed together, they produced 56 of Charlotte’s 100 points. That means the pair accounted for more than half of the team’s scoring.

Mark Williams Controls the Interior

Mark Williams scored 10 points and added nine rebounds in 29 minutes.

His shooting line was 3-for-7 from the field and 4-for-4 at the free-throw line.

He also recorded two assists.

Although Williams did not produce a huge scoring total, his nine rebounds helped Charlotte compete with a Lakers team that finished with 50 total rebounds.

The Lakers had a three-rebound advantage overall, but Charlotte still managed enough interior production to prevent Los Angeles from turning its rebounding edge into a decisive advantage.

Supporting Production From Charlotte

Nick Smith Jr. added 12 points while making four three-pointers.

His complete line included four rebounds? No. The supplied box score records two rebounds, one assist, three turnovers, and one steal.

His shooting was 4-for-13 overall and 4-for-11 from three-point range.

That means every one of his made field goals came from beyond the arc.

Seth Curry contributed 10 points in only 16 minutes. He shot 3-for-8 overall and 2-for-5 from three-point range. His +11 plus/minus was the highest on either team among players appearing in the supplied rotation.

Jusuf Nurkic did not score, going 0-for-3 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point range, but his seven assists and eight rebounds provided value in other areas. He also recorded two blocks.

That is an important reminder when interpreting a basketball box score: a zero in the points column does not necessarily mean a player had no impact.

LeBron James’ 26-Point Performance

LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 26 points.

His final statistics were:

26 points
10-for-22 field goals
4-for-11 three-pointers
2-for-2 free throws
7 rebounds
11 assists
2 turnovers
1 steal
2 blocks
-4 plus/minus

The 11 assists were particularly notable.

James created scoring opportunities throughout the game while also producing his own points. His seven rebounds added another layer to his contribution.

However, the Lakers were unable to convert their overall statistical advantages into enough points to win.

His four made three-pointers also helped Los Angeles remain competitive after Charlotte’s third-quarter surge.

Luka Doncic’s Statistical Profile

Luka Doncic recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

He shot:

5-for-18 from the field
1-for-9 from three-point range
3-for-4 from the free-throw line

He also committed six turnovers.

Doncic’s 11 rebounds and eight assists demonstrate his ability to influence multiple parts of the game even when his shooting numbers were not especially efficient.

The biggest statistical issue was his perimeter shooting.

A 1-for-9 night from three meant that many of his long-range attempts did not become points. His six turnovers were also the highest individual total listed in the game.

At the same time, his +13 plus/minus was the highest among Lakers players in the supplied box score.

That contrast is useful for readers studying basketball statistics. A player’s scoring efficiency, turnovers, and plus/minus can tell different stories about the same performance.

Rui Hachimura Provides Secondary Scoring

Rui Hachimura scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

He shot 7-for-16 from the field but struggled from three-point range, making only one of eight attempts.

His free-throw shooting was 2-for-4.

Hachimura played 39 minutes, the most among the Lakers in the supplied box score.

His workload shows how heavily the Lakers relied on their primary rotation players during the game.

Lakers Bench Production

Dorian Finney-Smith produced an efficient shooting performance.

He scored 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting and made four of six three-point attempts. He also grabbed five rebounds and recorded three assists.

His +1 plus/minus suggests that his minutes were relatively balanced in terms of scoring margin.

Jaxson Hayes scored eight points on 4-for-5 shooting and finished with a +12 plus/minus.

Gabe Vincent added six points and made two of six three-point attempts.

Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht each scored three points, while Alex Len finished without a point but recorded one rebound.

Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats: Key Individual Numbers

A direct comparison makes the leading performances easier to understand.

Player	Team	PTS	REB	AST	3PT	STL	BLK	+/-
Miles Bridges	Hornets	29	6	0	5-11	5	1	+4
LaMelo Ball	Hornets	27	5	6	5-13	1	0	+8
LeBron James	Lakers	26	7	11	4-11	1	2	-4
Mark Williams	Hornets	10	9	2	0-0	0	0	-5
Nick Smith Jr.	Hornets	12	2	1	4-11	1	0	-4
Rui Hachimura	Lakers	17	8	3	1-8	1	0	-1
Luka Doncic	Lakers	14	11	8	1-9	1	0	+13
Dorian Finney-Smith	Lakers	12	5	3	4-6	0	0	+1

This table highlights the unusual nature of the game.

The Lakers had three players with at least eight rebounds or assists in the listed core group, while Charlotte’s offense was more concentrated around Bridges and Ball.

Why Charlotte Won Despite Shooting Worse Overall

The most important analytical question is why Charlotte won despite shooting 36% from the field compared with 41% for Los Angeles.

There were several contributing factors.

1. Charlotte Made More Three-Pointers

The Hornets made 18 three-pointers.

The Lakers made 15.

That gave Charlotte nine additional points from made three-point shots before considering other differences in shot distribution.

2. Charlotte Was Almost Perfect at the Line

Charlotte converted 16 of 17 free throws.

The Lakers made eight of 12.

That created another eight-point advantage for Charlotte.

3. Charlotte Created More Steals

The Hornets recorded 12 steals.

Los Angeles recorded seven.

Five additional steals can create extra possessions and transition opportunities.

4. Turnovers Were Relatively Close

Charlotte committed 17 turnovers.

Los Angeles committed 18.

The Lakers therefore did not gain a meaningful possession advantage from their superior assist total.

5. The Third Quarter Changed the Game

Charlotte scored 32 points in the third quarter.

Los Angeles scored only 18.

That 14-point difference effectively erased the Lakers’ halftime advantage.

The Third Quarter Was the Turning Point

The first half belonged to Los Angeles.

The Lakers scored 28 points in the opening quarter and 20 in the second. Charlotte managed only 21 and 16.

At halftime, Los Angeles had built a comfortable lead.

Then the game changed.

Charlotte scored 32 points in the third quarter while holding Los Angeles to 18.

This was not simply a small improvement. Charlotte transformed a double-digit halftime deficit into a much more competitive fourth-quarter situation.

The fourth quarter ended 31-31.

That means neither team gained an advantage in the final period.

The Hornets therefore won the game primarily because of what they accomplished between halftime and the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Shooting Efficiency Tells a Complicated Story

The field-goal percentage comparison favored Los Angeles.

The Lakers shot 41%.

Charlotte shot 36%.

But field-goal percentage does not distinguish between a two-point shot and a three-point shot.

Charlotte’s 18 made three-pointers were a major part of its offensive strategy.

The Lakers made 37 total field goals, four more than Charlotte’s 33. However, Charlotte’s superior three-point and free-throw production helped compensate for making fewer total field goals.

This is why readers should avoid judging a basketball game using one statistic.

A team can have a better field-goal percentage and still lose if its opponent generates more value from three-point shooting, free throws, turnovers, or other possession-based factors.

Assists and Offensive Style

The Lakers finished with 29 assists.

Charlotte finished with 20.

That nine-assist difference is substantial.

LeBron James led Los Angeles with 11 assists, while Luka Doncic added eight. Together, the two stars accounted for 19 of the Lakers’ 29 assists.

Charlotte’s six assists from LaMelo Ball led the team.

Jusuf Nurkic also produced seven assists despite scoring zero points.

That combination shows that Charlotte’s offensive creation came from multiple sources, even though its overall assist total was significantly lower.

Rebounding Comparison

The Lakers collected 50 rebounds.

Charlotte recorded 47.

The difference was only three rebounds.

Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 11 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura had eight and LeBron James had seven.

For Charlotte, Mark Williams had nine rebounds, while Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball contributed six and five respectively.

The Lakers therefore had a modest rebounding advantage, but not enough to dominate second-chance opportunities or control the game.

Defensive Activity

Charlotte’s defensive numbers deserve attention.

The Hornets recorded:

12 steals
4 blocks
47 rebounds

The Lakers recorded:

7 steals
4 blocks
50 rebounds

Charlotte’s five-steal advantage was particularly important.

Miles Bridges alone recorded five steals.

That level of defensive activity can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and create additional possessions without requiring superior overall shooting efficiency.

Plus/Minus Requires Context

Plus/minus is useful, but it should not be treated as a complete player evaluation.

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic finished at +13, Jaxson Hayes at +12, and Alex Len at +8.

Yet Los Angeles lost the game.

For Charlotte, Seth Curry posted +11 and LaMelo Ball posted +8.

Miles Bridges finished at +4 despite leading the team in scoring.

These numbers demonstrate that plus/minus is connected to the scoring margin while a player is on the floor. It does not directly measure every individual action.

For a proper evaluation, plus/minus should be considered alongside shooting, assists, rebounds, turnovers, defensive events, and playing time.

What the Player Stats Reveal About the Game

The box score points to several broader lessons.

First, Charlotte’s victory was not built around superior overall shooting.

Second, the Hornets benefited from more successful three-point attempts and exceptional free-throw accuracy.

Third, defensive activity helped Charlotte compensate for Los Angeles’ higher field-goal percentage.

Fourth, the Lakers received strong playmaking from James and Doncic but struggled to turn their offensive advantages into enough points.

Finally, the third quarter was decisive.

These details make this matchup useful for anyone studying how individual statistics combine into a team result.

Previous Meeting and Season Series

The game also completed a season series that finished tied 1-1.

In the previous meeting on January 28, 2025, the Lakers defeated Charlotte 112-107.

The February meeting therefore represented a reversal of the earlier result.

The difference between the two games also demonstrates why head-to-head history should be treated carefully. A previous result provides context, but each game has its own lineup, shooting performance, turnovers, and game flow.

What Fantasy Basketball Readers Can Take From the Box Score

For fantasy basketball analysis, this matchup contains several useful statistical patterns.

Miles Bridges delivered a balanced line through points, rebounds, steals, blocks, and three-point shooting.

LaMelo Ball combined scoring and assists while also contributing five three-pointers.

LeBron James produced across several categories, particularly points, assists, and rebounds.

Luka Doncic delivered rebounds and assists even though his scoring efficiency was limited.

Jusuf Nurkic is another interesting example because his zero points were offset by eight rebounds and seven assists.

The broader lesson is that fantasy value cannot be understood through points alone.

A Practical Way to Analyze Similar NBA Box Scores

If you are researching player statistics from other games, use a consistent process.

Step 1: Start With the Final Score

Identify who won and by how many points.

Step 2: Check Quarter Scoring

Look for a quarter where the game changed direction.

Step 3: Compare Shooting

Review:

Field-goal percentage
Three-point percentage
Free-throw percentage
Made three-pointers
Free throws made

Step 4: Examine Possession Indicators

Turnovers, offensive rebounds, steals, and blocks can reveal why one team created additional opportunities.

Step 5: Identify the Main Contributors

Look beyond the leading scorer.

Check assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, shooting efficiency, and plus/minus.

Step 6: Compare Star Production With Team Results

A star can post impressive numbers while the team loses. Conversely, a player with modest scoring can contribute through defense, rebounding, or playmaking.

Step 7: Put the Numbers Into Game Context

Finally, connect the statistics to the quarter-by-quarter progression.

This prevents a box score from becoming nothing more than a collection of disconnected numbers.

Important Statistical Takeaways

The most useful figures from the game include:

Charlotte scored 100 points.
Los Angeles scored 97.
Charlotte won the third quarter 32-18.
Miles Bridges scored 29 points.
LaMelo Ball scored 27 points.
LeBron James scored 26 points.
Luka Doncic recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Charlotte made 18 three-pointers.
Los Angeles made 15 three-pointers.
Charlotte shot 94% from the free-throw line.
Los Angeles shot 67% from the free-throw line.
Charlotte recorded 12 steals.
Los Angeles recorded seven steals.
The Lakers had 29 assists compared with Charlotte’s 20.
The Lakers had 50 rebounds compared with Charlotte’s 47.

Taken together, these numbers explain why a team with a lower field-goal percentage could still finish with the victory.

FAQs About Charlotte Hornets vs Lakers Match Player Stats

Who scored the most points for the Hornets?

Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 29 points. He shot 9-for-22 from the field, made five three-pointers, and converted six of seven free throws.

Who led the Lakers in scoring?

LeBron James led Los Angeles with 26 points. He also recorded seven rebounds and 11 assists.

What were Luka Doncic’s stats against the Hornets?

Luka Doncic finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He shot 5-for-18 from the field and 1-for-9 from three-point range.

Why did the Hornets beat the Lakers?

Charlotte benefited from stronger three-point production, excellent free-throw shooting, more steals, and a major third-quarter advantage. The Hornets scored 32 points in the third quarter while the Lakers scored 18.

How many three-pointers did Charlotte make?

The Hornets made 18 of 53 three-point attempts, a 34% success rate.

Did the Lakers have more assists and rebounds?

Yes. Los Angeles finished with 29 assists and 50 rebounds, compared with Charlotte’s 20 assists and 47 rebounds.

Conclusion

The charlotte hornets vs lakers match player stats from February 20, 2025 show how a close NBA game can be decided by several smaller statistical advantages rather than one dominant category.

Charlotte’s 100-97 victory was powered by Miles Bridges’ 29 points, LaMelo Ball’s 27 points, strong three-point production, excellent free-throw shooting, and active defense. The Hornets also produced a crucial 32-point third quarter that completely changed the direction of the game.

Los Angeles had meaningful statistical strengths of its own. The Lakers shot 41% from the field, collected 50 rebounds, and recorded 29 assists. LeBron James produced 26 points and 11 assists, while Luka Doncic contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

The final numbers show why a complete box-score analysis should consider shooting location, free throws, turnovers, defensive plays, rebounding, assists, and quarter-by-quarter scoring together. Looking at only field-goal percentage or the leading scorer would miss much of what actually decided this matchup.

The season series ultimately finished tied 1-1, with the Lakers winning the January meeting and Charlotte taking the February rematch.