Lakers’ LeBron James Praises Hornets’ Brandon Miller: ‘I Love What I See from Him’

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 6, 2024

David Jensen/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had nothing but good things to say about Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller following their Monday matchup.

“He’s here for a reason,” James told reporters. “He’ll continue to get better. I love what I see from him at this stage of his career.”

While James’ Lakers came away with a 124-118 victory, Miller turned in an excellent performance with 33 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists behind 13-of-25 shooting from the field and 5-of-11 shooting from deep.

Miles Bridges (41 points) was the only other member of the Hornets to score more than 15 points.

There were plenty of excellent performances on the Lakers’ side as well with James tallying 26 points, D’Angelo Russell adding 28 and Anthony Davis posting a triple-double of 26 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks.

Los Angeles has now won three in a row and is starting to look more like a team that can compete with the best in the Western Conference following an inconsistent 24-25 start to the campaign.

As for the Hornets, they are clearly in rebuilding mode with a 10-39 mark.

Yet Miller figures to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come after they selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft. He entered Monday’s game averaging 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 38.5 percent from deep.

This was his second time matching up against James and the Lakers.

Los Angeles also defeated the Hornets 133-112 on Dec. 28 in a game that saw Miller score 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. He was much more aggressive in his second game against the Lakers, and James was complimentary of his game.