The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 117-114, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.

The Hornets (28-22) opened the game with the hot hand, building a 31-21 lead through the first 12 minutes and expanding their advantage to 16 points by halftime. However, the Lakers (24-26) came out of intermission a refocused team, eliminating all but two points from their deficit during the third quarter. That set up a thrilling finish, one that saw Russell Westbrook just miss out on capping off a spectacular second half with a would-be game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.

Westbrook led the Lakers with 35 points -- 30 which came after halftime -- adding five assists and four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kent Bazemore poured in 13 points.

Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 26 points, supplementing them eight boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Ish Smith furnished 22 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier posted matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. P.J. Washington managed 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.

The Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.