Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers impressed fans on Monday as they defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-107 on the road, with the Hornets losing

Anthony Davis had 42 points and 23 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a huge first quarter from the All-Star center to build a 23-point lead before beating the Charlotte Hornets 112-107 on Monday night for their fourth straight win.

Anthony Davis scores 21 points in the first quarter and helps the Lakers survive a late surge by the Charlotte Hornets in the Lakers' 112-107 victory.

LeBron James noted afterward that they "have to play close-to-perfect basketball" in order to win because "that's the way our team is constructed." It was harsh yet timely criticism of his roster, a nudge to the front office to make improvements ahead of the trade deadline.

More Los Angeles Lakers news: Lakers Have Reportedly 'Checked In' on $19M Center Ahead of Trade Deadline For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

According to an NBA insider, the Lakers aren't expected to pursue several of the centers who have been rumored to be trade targets for them.

LaMelo Ball has been ruled out of the Charlotte Hornets' game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday due to a left ankle sprain, the team announced.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball suffered yet another ankle injury on Monday night, this time in bizarre fashion during his team's 112-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Early in the second quarter,

LaMelo Ball entered Monday night as the NBA’s fourth-highest scorer and leads the league in fourth-quarter points, field goals and made 3-pointers.