LeBron James was asked about those challenges after Wednesday's loss to the Hornets, but is understanding of how difficult it can be to pick things up mid-season. READ MORE: Lakers under 'immense pressure' to sign Luka Doncic after Mavericks trade "He still doesn't know all the plays.

LeBron James finished with 40 points and Austin Reaves scored 32 as the Lakers halted a two-game skid with a 110-102 road win over the Trail Blazers.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets had an unusual game on Wednesday, facing off after their trade for Mark Williams fell apart. It was the first game Williams played for Charlotte since he reportedly failed his physical and then had to return to the team that had agreed on a deal that would send him to Los Angeles.

The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers will be intertwined for the foreseeable future following their rescinded trade revolving around Mark Williams and Dalton Knecht. Fittingly, the two teams met in the NBA's first post-2025 All-Star break clash.