At a Glance
- Lakers win 128-121 over a short-handed Grizzlies.
- LeBron James scores 31, Luka Doncic 34 (half from free throws).
- Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. leads with 25 points.
- Why it matters: Lakers secure first win of two-game set and set up a rematch Sunday.
The Los Angeles Lakers edged the Memphis Grizzlies 128-121 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, overcoming a depleted roster and a blown 15-point second-quarter lead to set the tone for a Sunday showdown.
Game Highlights
The Lakers blew a 15-point lead in the second quarter, but rallied in the fourth with a 12-2 run that put them beyond reach.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic dominated the final quarter, with Doncic scoring four points and assisting on two 3-pointers while James closed the run with a basket.
- 12-2 fourth-quarter run sealed the win.
- 15-point second-quarter lead blown.
- Doncic contributed four points and two 3-pointer assists.
Player Performance
Top performers for both teams.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | 31 | 9 | 6 |
| Luka Doncic | 34 | 6 | 8 |
| Jake Laravia | 21 | 9 | – |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 25 | – | – |
| Ja Morant | 16 | – | 11 |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 20 | – | – |
With the Lakers now ahead in the series, the teams will face off again on Sunday at 6:30 PM PT.
Key Takeaways
- Lakers’ comeback showcased resilience.
- Grizzlies’ roster depth highlighted by missing key players.
- The game set up a rematch for Sunday.
The Lakers’ comeback showcased their resilience, while the Grizzlies’ lack of key players highlighted the impact of roster depth.
