Luka Doncic delivered one of the highlights of the season Monday night — then immediately turned that energy toward a referee.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar erupted in frustration after throwing down a powerful two-handed dunk during the team’s 121–111 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Doncic appeared to take contact on the play but didn’t get the foul call, prompting him to bark at the official as the crowd roared.
Now in his second season with the Lakers, Doncic continues to play at an MVP level. His improved conditioning and aggressiveness have made him even more dangerous, and that dunk was a perfect example of his evolving game.
Lakers Take Control in Second Half
The Hornets kept the game close early, leading 40–36 after the first quarter. Los Angeles responded with a strong second period to take a narrow halftime lead, but it was the third quarter where they completely flipped the script.
The Lakers blitzed Charlotte 31–15 in the third, dominating defensively and forcing turnover after turnover. L.A. finished the night with 12 steals and only 11 turnovers, while the Hornets committed 23 giveaways and tallied just six steals.
Doncic Leads the Charge
Doncic finished with 38 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and a steal. He shot 14-of-28 from the field, hit five threes, and went a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.
Austin Reaves followed with 24 points and seven assists, Rui Hachimura added 21 points, and Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points and six boards. Marcus Smart made a major impact defensively, posting 13 points, seven steals, and six assists.
