LaMelo Ball and LeBron James faced each other for the first time in the NBA, as the Lakers got the win with a 116-105 final result over the Charlotte Hornets. The King finished the game with 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists to extend the Lakers’ winning streak.
Melo finished with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Hornets, who tried hard but couldn’t get past LBJ and co. Before the game, Melo revealed he didn’t grow up looking up to LeBron so he didn’t feel too excited about facing the King.
“I grew up a little different. Not really on basketball like that. So, not really. (My role model) It was my Pops. So, I was big on family and stuff like that. Not really with the basketball (…) I go to every game with the same approach — going in to try to get a win,” Ball told reporters.
After the game, James praised the rookie sensation, saying that he’s doing a lot of things for his age and just like his old brother, they have unique games that delight fans every night.
“He’s damn good to be his age,” James said of Ball after their matchup, via ESPN. “His speed, his quickness, his ability to make shots and baskets in the paint … and he’s going to only get better. Every game is a learning experience for him. He’s going to get better as the season goes on and his career goes on.
“Him and ‘Zo are two very unique players in our league and they showcase that every night.”
As for Ball, he said it felt good to go against LeBron and the defending NBA champions, but he wanted to win the game.
“It felt good,” Ball said. “But not too good, because we didn’t get the win.”
We witnessed the present and the future of the league in this game and they delivered. In the end, the experienced Lakers took the best out of the young Hornets and get their fourth consecutive win after the All-Star break.
