Marcus Smart scores 25 points and LeBron James finishes with 20 points, but the Lakers can't overcome Luka Doncic's absence in a 132-116 loss to Portland.

L.A. actually got off to a hot start as LeBron James hit a 3-pointer, followed by five straight points by Marcus Smart and six straight by Luka Doncic. After a triple by Jake LaRavia, the Hornets needed an early timeout with the Lakers leading 17-7.

Highlights and recap of the Charlotte Hornets' victory over the Lakers in the 2026 NBA regular season, in a game where the visitors came from behind to take the win.

Luka Doncic scores 39 points and LeBron James finishes with 29, but it's not enough to counter a more consistent Charlotte scoring effort in a 135-117 loss.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA game from January 13, 2026 on ESPN.

Drew Timme led them in scoring with 31 points on 11-of-22 field-goal shooting, to go along with 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. R.J. Davis had 28 points, and Kobe Bufkin added 14 points off the bench.