The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 121-115, at Spectrum Center on Monday night.

The Lakers (16-21) and Hornets (10-28) played a hotly contested first quarter that saw L.A. forge a narrow 22-21 lead. However, the visitors then asserted themselves and changed the tone of the game in the middle quarters, outscoring Charlotte by a 72-55 margin in that span to take an 18-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would eventually claw all the way back to get to within four with 20.2 seconds left, but a quartet of LeBron James free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining sealed the win.

James led the Lakers with a 43-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Thomas Bryant generated an18-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves posted 15 points apiece while dishing out five and seven assists, respectively, with Reaves also posting six rebounds. Troy Brown supplied 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 27 points, complementing with four assists and two rebounds. LaMelo Ball furnished 24 points, seven boards, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. P.J. Washington contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Jalen McDaniels registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.

The Lakers return home to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Hornets host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.