NBA: Balanced scoring propels Lakers past Hornets

Anthony Davis scored 26 points with eight rebounds and four blocks, LeBron James added 17 points with 11 assists and the Los Angeles Lakers earned a much-needed 133-112 victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

Rui Hachimura scored 17 points in just his fourth start of the season as the Lakers won for the third time in nine games since winning the NBA in-season tournament Dec. 9 with a victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Los Angeles received production from its bench, getting 16 points and nine assists from D'Angelo Russell, while Austin Reaves also had 16 points. Reserves Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes each contributed 10.

Miles Bridges scored 20 points and Terry Rozier added 18 points with eight assists for the Hornets, who lost their ninth consecutive game. Charlotte also lost its sixth consecutive road game.

Brandon Miller scored 17 points after missing Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a sprained right ankle and Nick Richards added 11 points with 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who are 0-2 to start a six-game road trip.

The Lakers held a 58-57 lead at halftime before taking control of the game in the third quarter by outscoring the Hornets 41-23 to lead 99-80. Hachimura and James each scored 12 points in the third quarter as Los Angeles shot 62.5 percent from the floor.

The Lakers added 34 points in the fourth quarter to give them 75 in the second half. Los Angeles had a season-high 41 assists on 52 made field goals, while also forcing Charlotte into 19 turnovers.

The Lakers shot 53.6 percent from the floor in the game and went 15 of 30 (50 percent) from 3-point range. It was the fourth time they shot at least 50 percent from 3-point range this season.

Cam Reddish did not play for the Lakers because of left groin soreness. The Hornets were without LaMelo Ball (ankle) for the 14th consecutive game, while Gordon Hayward was out with a left calf strain and Mark Williams remained out with a back injury.

--Field Level Media/Reuters