Luka Doncic scored 34 points, including 17 from the free throw line, and added eight assists and six rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies 128-121 on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James contributed 31 points and nine rebounds, leading a dominant fourth-quarter push highlighted by a 12-2 run.
Jake LaRavia chipped in 21 points and nine rebounds, while Marcus Smart had 13 points and seven assists as the Lakers overcame a 15-point second-quarter deficit. Los Angeles improved to 21-11, winning its first game in the current two-game set against Memphis.
The Grizzlies, missing six players including Zach Edey, were paced by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 25 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s 20 points. Ja Morant added 16 points and 11 assists in his first game following a 40-point overtime performance against Philadelphia.
Memphis led by as many as 15 early before Los Angeles responded, forcing a 96-all tie entering the fourth quarter. Doncic scored four points and assisted on two 3-pointers during the decisive spurt, while James capped the run with a basket that put the Lakers ahead for good.
Los Angeles shot 58% from the floor and 34% from beyond the arc, converting 27 of 31 free throws. The Lakers also secured 42 rebounds and 20 assists, showing balanced contributions across the roster.
Memphis fell to 15-19, struggling without key rotation players, though six members of the team reached double figures. The Grizzlies have now dropped four of their last six games and remain under .500 on the road.
The Lakers and Grizzlies will meet again on Sunday in Los Angeles, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the early-season West standings.
