The Lakers will go home with the first round series against the Grizzlies tied at 1-1 after losing Game 2 in Memphis (93-103).
Los Angeles started slow in the first quarter, losing it 19-30. The Purple and Gold entered the halftime being down by 15 points and were unable to cut the deficit significantly.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura were the top scorers for the Lakers with 28 and 20 points respectively. Anthony Davis finished the game with 13 points (4/14 field goals) and 8 rebounds.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham thought that his team started the game lethargic and took some time to get going. He praised the Grizzlies as well for being a talented team.
“I think we came out a little bit lethargic in that first courter,” Ham said. “A little irresponsible with the ball, some unforced errors. I think in the first quarter we had five turnovers that gave them in turn ten points. From that point on I thought we clawed, we scratched and we fought… We just need to have that mentality at the start of the game.
“At the end of the day, obviously, we wish we could have got this one as well, but that’s a hell of a team over there. Really highly competitive ball club. I said it before the game there’s a reason why they are who they are with or without Ja. Still a huge storage full of talent and guys that play the right way, play hard and play together.
“My hat’s off to them. They came out, had a hell of a performance. They played with a desperation, a sense of urgency. We were able to get Game 1. Unfortunately, we didn’t get Game 2. But having a split nonetheless is a good trip. So we have to go home and defend our home court.”
