NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Hornets, Brandon Miller, Blazers

Lakers

The Lakers finally looked like themselves again.

Luka Doncic dropped 25 points and seven assists, LeBron James added 24 and seven, and the Lakers handled the visiting Raptors 110-93 on Sunday night.

The real boost came from Deandre Ayton, who returned from a knee injury and went a perfect 10-of-10 from the field, finishing with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

It was his highest-scoring night since early November and a reminder of what the Lakers look like when they have size that matters.

Doncic bounced back after sitting Saturday in Portland, knocking down five threes. James also logged back-to-back games for the second time this season, completing five games in seven days at age 41.

The win snapped a rough stretch and came just before an eight-game road trip.

Hornets

The Hornets took advantage of circumstance and did not apologize for it.

Brandon Miller scored 23 points, Tidjane Salaun posted 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, and Charlotte ran past the host Nuggets 110-87.

Miller has averaged nearly 26 points over his past three games. Charlotte had struggled against Denver historically, but this one tilted early.

The Nuggets were without five of their top eight scorers, including Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, and never recovered.

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers keep stacking wins.

Deni Avdija returned from a back injury and filled the box score with 26 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds in a 117-110 road win over the Kings.

Shaedon Sharpe added 26 of his own, while Donovan Clingan dominated inside with 21 points and 17 boards.

Portland has now won 12 of 15 and is back at .500 for the first time since mid-November.