Paul has 15 points as Hornets beat Lakers

NEW ORLEANS - Chris Paul got clearance to play more than in any game since his return from a knee injury and the Hornets came away with one of their most impressive victories of the season.

Paul registered his first double-double since rejoining his team with 15 points and 13 assists and New Orleans led most of the way in a surprising 108-100 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

"I knew going into the game I was going to get to play a little bit more," said Paul, who had been limited to 30 or fewer minutes in his previous three outings after coming back from a left meniscus tear that sidelined him for 25 games. He played a little more than 39 minutes against the Lakers.