Lakers’ Road Trip Ends in Disappointment
A Rocky Start on the Road
The Lakers faced a demoralizing end to their first road trip of the season, finishing 1-4 after a tough loss to Memphis. Offensive struggles and defensive lapses plagued Los Angeles, with Memphis controlling the game from start to finish.
By halftime, the Lakers trailed 59-53, frustrated by foul calls that sparked transition points for Memphis. Once brimming with promise, the Lakers’ identity now seems to be unraveling, with inconsistencies surfacing just a few games into the season.
LeBron’s Effort Falls Short
LeBron James delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 39 points on 64% shooting with numerous plays designed around him. While his scoring provided a much-needed spark, the effort ultimately wasn’t enough as Memphis maintained their momentum.
Surprisingly, LeBron ended with the worst plus-minus on the team, underscoring the broader issues in the Lakers’ lineup and their need to establish cohesion on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers finish 1-4 during the 5-game road trip 🤕
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 7, 2024
Despite a 39-point performance from LeBron, the Lakers got beat from start to finish… pic.twitter.com/pQApK8PWnB
Bench Struggles and Reddish’s Strong Showing
The Lakers’ bench remains a major issue, highlighted by an underwhelming first-half output that yielded only five points. Cam Reddish was a rare bright spot, scoring 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting and providing a defensive boost.
However, the rest of the second unit struggled to contribute, with the bench shooting a collective 6-for-20 (30%) excluding Reddish.
While Reddish’s performance was encouraging, it’s still too early to suggest he’ll be a consistent scoring option. Without more reliable production from their bench, the Lakers face an uphill climb in securing wins.
Early Dominance from Morant and Edey
The Grizzlies set the tone early, with Ja Morant’s dynamic playmaking and Edey’s presence on the boards leading to several second-chance points.
Morant’s facilitation, paired with Edey’s rebounding, allowed Memphis to build momentum from the start, as Los Angeles missed multiple opportunities to capitalize on turnovers and stayed on their back foot.
Rookie Sensation Jaylen Wells Shines
Jaylen Wells, a standout second-round rookie and current leader in three-pointers made among NBA rookies, had a stellar performance against the Lakers.
Wells showcased his shooting prowess, hitting five threes and finishing with 20 points, a reminder of why he’s firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation. His consistent outside shooting kept the Lakers on edge and highlighted just how impactful he can be in big moments.
Former Lakers Show Out in Memphis
Former South Bay Lakers Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff capitalized on their minutes, making significant contributions against their old organization. Pippen’s 14 points and tough on-ball defense pressured the Lakers’ perimeter, while Huff added 11 points and provided challenges in the paint.
These former Lakers were motivated to showcase their growth, proving that their development in South Bay has prepared them for NBA-level moments.
Missed Opportunities in a High-Tempo Game
Despite the game’s fast pace, where turnovers could have shifted the momentum, the Lakers struggled to take advantage. Memphis turned the ball over 18 times, compared to the Lakers’ 11, yet Los Angeles couldn’t convert these opportunities into points.
This inefficiency became especially glaring as Memphis dominated points in the paint, outscoring the Lakers 60-44—a factor compounded by the absence of Anthony Davis.
Interior Defense at a Low Point
With Anthony Davis sidelined, the Lakers’ interior defense was exposed. Newcomer Christian Koloko, making his season debut, and Jaxson Hayes, in his first start, struggled to protect the rim.
Memphis exploited these gaps, never relinquishing their lead from the opening tip. Points in the paint heavily favored Memphis, further underscoring the Lakers’ need for stronger rim protection when Davis isn’t on the floor.
Reflections and Moving Forward
The Lakers conclude this challenging road trip with a clear need to regroup and refocus on their strengths.
Health remains the foremost concern, as the team eagerly awaits the return of key players like Anthony Davis (heel soreness), Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood. Without Davis anchoring the paint and providing interior defense, the Lakers are vulnerable, and the team’s ceiling is severely limited.
To find success, the Lakers must reignite the high-paced, fluid offense that characterized their best moments early in the season, with constant off-ball movement and sharper shot selection.
Bench scoring remains a glaring weakness, and consistent contributions from the second unit are essential for Los Angeles to keep pace with high-caliber opponents.
Above all, they must avoid slipping back into old habits—stagnant offense, over-reliance on isolation plays, and lapses in defensive intensity will only lead to more frustration.
