but missed a pair of late free throws. Dorian Finney-Smith (12 points, five rebounds, three assists) also scored in double figures.

Luka Doncic, playing in his third game with the Lakers, finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, but struggled with his shot (5 of 18 from the field, 1 of 9 on 3s) and taking care of the ball (six turnovers — five in the first quarter).

The Hornets outscored the Lakers 43-32 after Austin Reaves was assessed a pair of technical fouls and ejected from the game, with the Lakers leading 65-57 at the time of Reaves’ ejection. Charlotte went on a 18-1 run immediately after Reaves was ejected, putting the Hornets up 75-66 early in the fourth quarter after the Lakers led by 13 in the third.

Doncic made a putback that put the Lakers ahead 94-93, but a corner 3 from Nick Smith Jr. put the Hornets back up 96-94.

Hachimura drew a shooting foul on the Lakers’ ensuing possession but missed both free throws.

LaMelo Ball made a layup over Jarred Vanderbilt to put the Hornets up 98-94 with 14.2 seconds left.

James made a 3-pointer out of a broken play to bring the Lakers within one, 98-97, with seven seconds left.

The Lakers intentionally fouled Ball on the Hornets’ ensuing possession, with Ball making both free throws to put the Hornets up 100-97 with 6.3 seconds left before James missed a pair of 3s to seal the win for Charlotte.