Lakers defeat Grizzlies in back-and-forth affair
The Lakers survived a game of runs Friday night as they took down the Grizzlies 128-121. The win came despite LA being shorthanded yet again, as they avoided dropping their second consecutive game.
Luka and LeBron Lead
There has been plenty of chatter within the last week about the Luka Doncic and LeBron James fit. But for at least one night, it can be silenced.
Doncic posted a 34-point, 6-rebound, 8-assist stat line while shooting 17/20 from the free-throw line. Luka struggled from downtown again, though, shooting just 1/7 from deep. Whenever he does emerge from his slump, another offensive explosion should be in store.
As for James, he got up to 31 points and was a rebound shy of a double-double. He also added 6 assists and shot an efficient 66.7% from the field. LeBron also went 6/6 from the charity stripe, which is a good sign considering his 65.4% mark to begin his season.
Jake LaRavia Steps Up
It feels like Jake LaRavia is due for a memorable night at least once a month, and he provided that game against his former team.
LaRavia poured in 11 first-quarter points en route to 21 on the game, along with nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals. His energy and effort were exactly what the Lakers needed against an athletic Grizzlies team.
With the Lakers forced to continue to manage numerous injuries, LaRavia will have plenty more opportunities to be a difference maker.
Another Clutch Time Win
The Lakers’ win keeps them undefeated in clutch-time games this season, which becomes an even wilder stat when you consider all their losses are by double digits.
Finding a balance between the two would be ideal, but for now, the Lakers will take the 32-25 advantage they had over the Grizzlies in the final quarter. This came after the game was tied at 96 after 3.
Up Next
The Lakers, now 21-11, will have a rematch with the Grizzlies on Sunday. They will look to win back-to-back games for the first time since mid-December.
The win also keeps them as the current five seed in the Western Conference. They continue to try to chase down the Nuggets and Rockets. They are within a game and a half of each other.
