In a thrilling NBA matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, two former Michigan State Spartans squared off on the court: Max

Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith isn't known as a leaper, but on Monday, he delivered a big poster dunk to help seal his team's fourth straight win.

For a player who’s been nothing short of sensational, LaMelo Ball’s exclusion from the All-Star starting lineup has sparked a wave of controversy. The youngest

Bridges chipped in 26 points (10-23 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal in 37 minutes during Monday's 112-107 loss to the Lakers. Bridges certainly wasn't shy in this game with 11 attempts from beyond the arc -- this was his third game of the campaign with double-digit attempts from long range.

Entering this game, the Hornets are dealing with some injuries to key players. Star guard LaMelo Ball has been listed as questionable for the contest and forward Miles Bridges is

Miles Bridges was asked about LaMelo Ball’s All-Star case, he answered by praising his teammate’s game, saying he’s the most exciting player in the league, and he should

Charlotte, which has now won five of its past eight games, dominated against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

The Charlotte Hornets have faith that LaMelo Ball's ankle injury won't keep him away too long. Ball has a long history of injuries.

: @hornets guard LaMelo Ball, forward Miles Bridges and guard Seth Curry have all been downgraded to OUT. Cody Martin has been upgraded to available.Source: Twitter

The Hornets' loss to the Lakers got even worse when star point guard LaMelo Ball had to leave with a concerning injury.

Bridges (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Portland. The Hornets will be extremely short-handed in the first leg of their back-to-back set with Bridges, LaMelo Ball (wrist), Brandon Miller (wrist) and Seth Curry (ankle) all on the shelf.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-105.