Trae Young Leads Hawks to 138-122 Victory Over Short-Handed Lakers

The Atlanta Hawks secured a convincing 138-122 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the Lakers’ second consecutive double-digit loss. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks, scoring 26 points, including knocking down his first six attempts from 3-point range.

The Hawks took control of the game in the second half, opening with three consecutive baskets and extending their lead to 17 points. Despite a quick timeout from the Lakers, Atlanta further stretched the margin to 20 points, and the Lakers struggled to mount a comeback.

Playing without Anthony Davis, who missed the game due to left hip and Achilles tendon issues, the Lakers fell below .500 with a 24-25 record. Austin Reaves had a strong performance with 28 points, and LeBron James contributed 20 points. However, the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Hawks’ offensive firepower.

Dejounte Murray played a crucial role for the Hawks, scoring 24 points, including mid-range jumpers on three straight possessions in the fourth quarter to thwart any Lakers’ comeback attempts. Jalen Johnson added 19 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic and Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points each. The Hawks showcased balanced scoring, with seven players reaching double figures.

The victory for the Hawks comes amid trade talks and speculation about potential moves ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Despite their sub-.500 record, the Hawks demonstrated their offensive prowess, making 16 of 38 3-point attempts and finishing with a 52% field goal percentage.

De’Andre Hunter returned to the Hawks’ lineup after missing 19 games with right knee inflammation, contributing six points in 16 minutes off the bench.

The Lakers face challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances, and the absence of Anthony Davis continues to impact their overall play. The Hawks, on the other hand, will look to build on this victory as they navigate the remainder of the season and potential trade discussions.