Rui Hachimura and LeBron James guided the Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) to a commanding 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies (24-49) on Wednesday night.
James showcased his versatility with a triple-double, contributing 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Hachimura exploded for 32 points, including an impressive 7-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, and 10 rebounds.
With Anthony Davis sidelined due to a knee injury, Hachimura’s scoring proved invaluable for the Lakers, providing a significant offensive spark alongside James.
D’Angelo Russell chipped in with 23 points for Los Angeles, further bolstering their offensive firepower in the absence of Davis. Austin Reaves added 13 points and 11 assists.
Despite a spirited effort from Memphis, led by Desmond Bane’s 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, the Grizzlies struggled to contain the Lakers’ dynamic duo. Jake LaVaria added 25 points off the bench, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Lakers’ victory marks their fifth straight win, putting them three games behind the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings, crucial for avoiding the play-in tournament.
