Lakers beat Grizzlies; bench continues to struggle
The Lakers earned a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, a game they controlled from start to finish.
But while the final score reflects a win, it also underscores a persistent problem: the lack of bench production. The Grizzlies’ reserves outscored the Lakers’ bench 45-24, exposing a weakness that could become a significant obstacle as the season progresses.
THE LAKERS ARE BACK IN THE W COLUMN AFTER WHOOPING THE GRIZZLIES AT HOME 🚨🔥 pic.twitter.com/HbkWQTI1xJ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 16, 2024
Bench Woes Despite a Strong Start
The Lakers set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, holding Memphis to just 20 points while building a comfortable lead. By halftime, Los Angeles had separated themselves offensively, outscoring the Grizzlies 34-27 in the second quarter and extending the lead.
However, the lack of contributions from the second unit prevented the Lakers from fully pulling away. The team relied heavily on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to generate offense, while Memphis’ bench provided key scoring to keep the game competitive late.
Anthony Davis and LeBron Lead the Way
Anthony Davis was the star of the night, finishing with a game-high 40 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Davis dominated on both ends of the floor, continuing to show why he’s the team’s anchor.
LeBron James returned to action after missing time due to personal reasons and posted 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. While his shooting splits (7-17) weren’t his sharpest, his presence was felt throughout the game. That said, turnovers remain a concern for both stars, as they combined for nine on the night.
Exploring Internal Solutions
The Lakers’ bench has been a recurring issue this season, and tonight’s game was no different. Quincy Olivari and Devonte Graham, two players with scoring potential, could provide much-needed production if given consistent minutes.
Both have the ability to deliver 6-8 points per game, which would go a long way in alleviating the offensive burden on LeBron and AD.
Time for Aggression: Trade Season Opens
December 15 marks the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as most free-agent contracts signed in the offseason are now eligible to be traded. This gives the Lakers an opportunity to address their depth issues by exploring the trade market.
Adding a reliable bench scorer or a consistent three-point threat could provide immediate relief. The Lakers’ front office has shown in the past that they’re willing to make bold moves, and with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, now is the time to act.
A Step in the Right Direction, but Work Remains
While the Lakers earned a much-needed win, the victory also highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities. Their starters are capable of dominating games, but without reliable contributions from the bench, sustaining success over the course of the season will be a challenge.
If the Lakers want to position themselves as true contenders, they must address their depth issues immediately—whether through internal adjustments or aggressive trades. The team is trending in the right direction, but there’s work to be done to ensure the season ends in contention for a championship.
