The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, January 2, at Crypto.com Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Memphis enters with a 15-18 record and a two-game losing streak, while the Lakers sit at 20-11, coming off a one-game skid.
Memphis will be without Brandon Clarke (right calf), Zach Edey (left ankle), Ty Jerome (right calf), John Konchar (left thumb), Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe), and Vince Williams Jr. (left patellar), all listed as out. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right hamstring) and Jaylen Wells (left hamstring) are questionable.
The Grizzlies’ leading scorer Ja Morant has averaged 19.2 points and 7.4 assists over 17 games, while Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the team with 18.4 points and 1.5 blocks per game across 31 contests. Santi Aldama has contributed 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, with Cam Spencer shooting 48.5% from deep in 32 games.
Los Angeles faces its own injury challenges. Rui Hachimura (right calf), Austin Reaves (left calf), Adou Thiero (right MCL), and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back) are out, while Jarred Vanderbilt (right leg) is questionable.
The Lakers rely heavily on Luka Doncic, who averages 33.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 8.2 rebounds in 36.3 minutes per game. Reaves leads the supporting cast with 26.6 points per contest, while LeBron James contributes 20.3 points and 6.5 assists in 32.9 minutes. Deandre Ayton’s efficiency has been key inside, with 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 70.6% shooting.
Memphis will need contributions from Jackson Jr., Aldama, and Spencer to offset the multiple absences, particularly with Edey and Clarke sidelined. The Grizzlies have struggled recently, losing 136-139 to Philadelphia and 112-116 at Washington in their last two outings.
Los Angeles aims to rebound after a 106-128 loss to Detroit but brings momentum from a 125-101 win over Sacramento two games ago. The teams met once this season on October 31, 2025, with the Lakers winning 117-112.
