The NBA regular season returned with a shock, and of course, it surrounded the LA Lakers who haven’t been shy in recent weeks in surprising.
Charles Lee’s Charlotte Hornets side walked into LA as massive underdogs but came out 97-100 winners despite shooting just 36% from the field.
LeBron James was an injury doubt before the game but put in yet another starring display dropping 26-7-11, while Luka Doncic is starting to find his groove with 14-11-8.
However, both Lakers stars were overshadowed by the skills of LaMelo Ball who alongside Miles Bridges led the Hornets to a rare victory.
LaMelo put up a starring display for the Hornets with 27 points, five rebounds and six assists. He was putting on a show to those who overlooked him during the All-Star weekend.
Ball caused serious problems for Luka despite his usual strong defensive work and shot 9-19 FG and 5-13 from behind the arc.
His strong display did not go unnoticed by NBA fans who were quick to question why he missed out on an All-Star spot.
Ball ranked first in fan voting, third in player voting and averages 28.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 5.3 RPG this season.
One said: “I cannot believe they denied us a Lamelo Ball masterclass in the ASG. I will never forgive NBA media for that. Truly a travesty of justice.”
Another stated: “It’s crazy LaMelo Ball is averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists and didn’t make the All-Star team. The NBA is turning into a joke.”
Others pointed out how tough he made the game for both LeBron and Luka, with one saying: “What Lamelo Ball did to Luka gotta be illegal man, bro out here tap dancing,” another added: “LAMELO BALL JUST EXPOSED LEBRON JAMES AND LUKA DONCIC.”
Some have urged LaMelo to move from the Hornets to benefit his career: “LaMelo Ball so badly needs a coach to coach him hard He’s so talented and could be even better.”
Another said: “LaMelo Ball with actual talent around him is gonna shake up this league, he’s actually thriving with NPC’s next to him.”
The game had a major sub-plot to it following the Lakers failed trade with the Hornets for Mark Williams.
Dalton Knecht was also caught up in the failed trade mess and since returning to the Lakers has urged for game-time to JJ Redick.
Both Williams and Knecht played in the game and one certainly had more impact than the other.
Williams dropped 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists while Knecht, with limited game time, dropped just five rebounds.
It remains to be seen what will happen in the future following the failed trade but Bobby Marks has stated ‘there’s no turning back.’
The Lakers will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers in their next game.
