LOS ANGELES — The momentum continues for the Lakers as the new year begins.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies for the second time in three days on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, winning 120-114 on second-half offense from Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
advertise
Despite an early effort from Ja Morant and multiple contributors, it was Memphis in the first half. But the Lakers’ game plan remained unchanged at halftime, trailing 65-54 despite a poor start.
J.J. Redick asked the team at halftime if they needed to make any adjustments, and their answer to the second-year head coach was “absolutely not” as they slowly get a feel for how the Grizzlies are performing.
“They were basically running side screens or stepping up to create swing angles,” Redick said. “It was the same thing over and over again. Eventually, we just got the rhythm and the pattern of it.”
Los Angeles beat Memphis 29-22 in the third quarter and 37-27 in the fourth quarter. Finally, with two minutes left in the game, Doncic hit consecutive three-pointers to help the team lead by 9 points.
advertise
The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 66-49 in the second half.
Doncic scored 17 of his 34 points in the second half (nine rebounds and eight assists), while James led the offense with 10 assists on the night and scored 26 points in the paint – 18 of which came in the second half.
The Lakers found themselves trailing by 16 points (their biggest score of the night) late in the second quarter due to a poor shooting performance, going 2-for-3 from the field in the starting lineup, constant defensive mistakes and declining rebounding.
The Lakers shot 47% (38-for-80) from the field and 26.8% (11-for-41) from three-point range.
advertise
Jake LaRavia contributed significantly in his second consecutive game against his former team, scoring 26 points (9-of-16 shooting), 5 rebounds and 4 assists, with a game-high plus-minus of +15.
“I guess I just believe in the job I’ve been doing lately,” Laravia continued. “Obviously, [my] Early shots are hard, coach told me [and] The players told me to keep shooting. They believe in me and I believe in myself, so it’s really about getting in there and doing that. “
Laravia scored more than 20 points for the second straight game and fourth time this season, a feat he has never accomplished in his career as he takes on an increasingly important role and replaces Hachimura in the starting lineup.
advertise
The Lakers’ home record this season improved to 22-11 and 10-6, winning three of the last four games.
Los Angeles will be on the road for its next two games, heading to New Orleans and San Antonio for back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
