The Los Angeles Lakers started off slow against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, but quickly shifted gears and secured a 121-111 road victory.
Austin Reaves, who missed three games due to right groin soreness, was good to go vs. The Hornets and picked up where he left off. The Oklahoma product recorded 24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds in 29 minutes.
That said, Luka Doncic was the franchise’s go-to scorer, as the former Dallas Mavericks star finished with 38 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 38 minutes.
Surprisingly, though, Bronny James, who’s received more playing time than usual lately due to the Lakers’ ongoing injury issues, didn’t appear in the contest despite being fully healthy.
Why Bronny James didn’t play for the Lakers vs. The Hornets despite being fully healthy
James simply wasn’t a part of JJ Redick’s nine-man rotation in regular-season game No. 11.
While it won’t be ideal for James, there will be some nights when the 21-year-old second contributor doesn’t play because Redick determined the organization didn’t need his services.
When Reaves and Doncic were sidelined against the Portland Trail Blazers, it wasn’t surprising to witness James compete on the hardwood for 19 minutes in a reserve role.
With Los Angeles somewhat healthy against the Hornets, Redick didn’t view James as a game-changing second unit asset, compelling him to keep the USC product on the bench for the entire clash.
Perhaps James will see the floor when the Lakers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
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