Lakers unable to keep late momentum in 109-104 loss to Hornets: Julius Randle's eyes widened as he saw the path to the rim in front of him. He’d stolen the ball, then he sped ahead on a fast break and dunked it to give the Lakers an early one-point lead. It was exactly what his coach wanted from him. In fact, all game long, Lakers Coach Luke Walton saw just what he wanted to see from his players. He liked most everything, except the final score: Charlotte Hornets 109, Lakers 105. -- Los Angeles Times

David Nwaba goes from lifelong fan to Lakers player against Hornets: Two hours before he realized a lifelong dream of suiting up for his favorite team, David Nwaba sat on the Lakers’ bench in an empty Staples Center on Tuesday night and shared a private moment with coach Luke Walton. “It’s just crazy, everything is shocking,” said Nwaba, a former Los Angeles University High and Cal Poly standout who signed a 10-day contract Tuesday. -- Los Angeles Times

Lakers encouraged despite loss to Kemba Walker, Hornets: With each made shot and well-placed pass, Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell provided the kind of leadership coach Luke Walton has asked of him all season. With each hustle play on both offense and defense, Lakers forward Julius Randle displayed the kind of work ethic Walton believes is required for consistent performances. -- The Orange County Register

Lakers' Jordan Clarkson thriving with more responsibility since Lou Williams trade: Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson can score in bunches. They look to attack the basket, and they never fret over missed shots. As much as the two often said their qualities complemented each other, Williams benefited from the pairing more than Clarkson. While Williams took more of the shots with efficiency, Clarkson forced plenty of his with mixed results. -- The Orange County Register