WATCH: Russell Westbrook explodes for 35 points vs. Hornets

Watch Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook explode for a season-high 35 points against the Charlotte Hornets.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook had his most memorable game in the purple and gold in the loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

With no LeBron James (knee) or Anthony Davis (wrist) in the picture due to injuries, the load fell on Westbrook’s shoulders to give the Lakers a shot at winning.

Nothing materialized in the first half for the $44 million man after a five-point showing. But that was all forgotten by the second half.

Westbrook ignited the Lakers’ comeback in the third quarter when the team trailed 71-51 in the early minutes. The former MVP finished the game with a season-high 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting overall, 3-of-7 from deep and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe.

If he doesn’t catch fire, this is not a contest by the time the final quarter rolls around. Westbrook’s potential game-winning 3-pointer didn’t fall, but this is the type of game for him to build on.

Watch his highlights below, courtesy of the Lakers’ YouTube channel:

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