Ball keeps the Hornets rolling as the team’s emotional leader

Ex-Chino Hills High star stings Lakers with 27 points in second half of 135-117 victory.

- By Truc Nui Nguyen

“I WAS REALLY just playing for real,” said Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball, here reacting after a three-pointer.

(RONALDO BOLANOS Los Angeles Times)

The gasps from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena — a mix of shock from Lakers fans and anticipation from fans rooting for the local hero — grew each time LaMelo Ball pulled up from seemingly more and more audacious spots on the court. The Charlotte Hornets’ star guard held three fingers to his bicep each time he splashed a shot through the net. He stared up into the packed stands to meet the eyes of his hometown crowd.

The former Chino Hills High star ignited the Hornets to a 135-117 win over the Lakers on Thursday with 30 points and 11 assists. After a quiet three points in the first half, Ball erupted for 27 points after halftime, including making eight three-pointers on 12 attempts that gave the L.A. crowd flashbacks of the brace-faced freshman on Chino Hills’ famous undefeated team.

“We all know LaMelo,” Lakers guard Marcus Smart said. “He’s been playing like that since he was in high school. To us, they’re some crazy shots, but to him, those are his shots.”