The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off 2026 on a high note by beating the Memphis Grizzlies at home. They looked to carry that momentum into Sunday night’s rematch as the Grizzlies returned to Crypto.com Arena for the second straight game.
Both teams continued to be severely shorthanded, but ultimately the Lakers picked up another win, coming back to earn a 120-114 victory.
Deandre Ayton has been frustrated with his recently lack of touches, so the Lakers made it a point to get him the ball on the first possession and he scored. Luka Doncic then found Ayton for a dunk as L.A. was getting the big man involved early.
The Lakers were struggling defensively early though as the Grizzlies jumped out to a slim lead. Doncic started to get going from there though as he made four of his first five shots, including a triple.
Rebounding was a challenge for the Lakers as the Grizzlies had seven offensive rebounds in the first quarter a long and closed the frame strong to take a 34-26 lead.
L.A. was in an offensive drought to begin the second as Memphis quickly grew its lead to double digits. LeBron James ended the drought with a floater and then got to the free throw line, but the Grizzlies kept putting on the pressure and the Lakers needed a timeout trailing by 16.
The Lakers were ice cold from 3 but they started to lock in defensively to end the half, cutting their deficit to 65-54 heading into the locker room.
It was a nice start to the third quarter for the Lakers as Jake LaRavia had five straight points and then James cut it to five with a layup.
The Lakers’ inability to make open triples kept them from getting over the jump though as Memphis responded with a run to get the lead back to double digits.
With L.A. struggling offensively, they were living at the free throw line to chip away. Doncic and James both finally connected from deep and the Grizzlies’ lead was 87-83 going into the final quarter.
James began to take over to start the fourth with a three-point play and a triple. LaRavia then had back-to-back buckets to give his team its first lead since the opening minutes.
They began to take control from there as Ayton found James for a pair of buckets. Doncic then hit two deep 3s as the Lakers closed out another clutch time win.
What’s next for the Lakers…
The Lakers will now head out on the road for a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
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