Luka Doncic didn’t stutter about LaMelo Ball’s “crazy” night
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić gave Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball his flowers after Thursday’s 135-117 loss. After Doncic’s fight with Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder this week, he had nothing but good things to say about the guard who gave the Lakers 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including a whopping nine 3-pointers.
Doncic was amazed by Ball’s shooting performance in the loss of the Lakers and he didn’t hold back in his post-game comments, per Chaitania Dadhwal of Yardbarker.
“I mean, he hit some crazy shots, but that’s what he does. He shot a lot off the dribble,” Doncic said. “We planned it, but he hit some crazy shots. Like I said, he does that, so he got really hot.”
Ball connected on eight of her nine three-pointers after halftime.
“He made nine three-pointers (tonight), eight in the second half, so it was difficult to stop him,” Doncic added as Bol found his rhythm in the second half.
Ball also finished with 11 assists, six rebounds and one block. Luka Doncic scored a game-high 39 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including six 3-pointers and four assists for the Lakers. LeBron James finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Marcus Smart reacts to LaMelo Ball’s shot in the Lakers loss
A veteran Marcus Smart believes the Lakers can improve in the midst of a tough run despite losing four of their last five games. Smart was also amazed with nine 3-pointers by Ball en route to a 30-point performance as he led the Hornets to a lopsided victory.
“Some crazy shots. But that Hornets team has been doing that the last few games. We all know LaMelo. He’s been playing like that since high school,” Smart said. “To us, those are some crazy shots, but to him, they’re his shots. You definitely take your hat off.”
Marcus Smart: “Some crazy shots. We all know LaMelo. He’s been playing like that since high school.” pic.twitter.com/e1iK2jK5LF
— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) January 16, 2026
Smart finished with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in Thursday’s loss to the Hornets. The Lakers will try to bounce back against the Blazers on Saturday.
2026-01-16 15:09:00
