There have been good weeks and unhealthy weeks for the Lakers this season.
Forward of Friday’s sport towards the Memphis Grizzlies, they had been trending downward after shedding 4 of their final 5 video games.
The Memphis sport changed into a microcosm of that pattern, with the Lakers constructing leads by effort and depth solely to see them crumble behind less-inspired play.
Ultimately, standout performances from Luka Doncic and LeBron James helped the Lakers surge late and maintain on for a 128-121 win at Crypto.com Enviornment.
Doncic and James made positive the 15-point lead the Lakers held earlier than it dissolved by the top of the third quarter wasn’t utterly achieved in useless. Doncic made 17 of 20 free throws in scoring 34 factors with eight assists and 6 rebounds, and James had 31 factors, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
They acquired assist from Jake LaRavia, who had 21 factors and 9 rebounds and was stellar on protection. Marcus Good had 13 factors and Jaxson Hayes scored 12 factors.
The Lakers (21-11) went down 110-109 within the fourth quarter earlier than happening a 12-2 run to take the lead for good. The groups will meet once more right here Sunday evening.
Earlier than the sport, Lakers coach JJ Redick talked concerning the crew discovering methods to beat latest adversity.
Lakers heart Jaxson Hayes dunks over Memphis Grizzlies ahead Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) and heart Jock Landale (31) within the fourth quarter Friday.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
“All of the teammates I had, all the fellows that I’ve coached which have a excessive care issue, each loss, each poor efficiency stings the identical,” Redick stated. “[It] could be tough to have a look at the massive image once you’re in the midst of it. I feel that’s our job as a coach: to assist the gamers zoom out typically, whereas additionally holding them accountable. That’s the steadiness you need to discover.”
The Lakers constructed a 15-point lead within the second quarter by enjoying with aggression and being sensible on protection. Then the Lakers went right into a rut, watching the Grizzlies go on an 18-0 run to take a 58-55 lead.
However in line with their latest tendencies, the Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 11-2 to take a 66-60 lead into halftime. And by the top of the third quarter, the Lakers and Grizzlies had been all tied 96-96.
Vincent replace
Gabe Vincent (lumbar again pressure) missed his seventh straight sport, however Redick stated the crew hopes he can follow Saturday and that if he does, it’s going to “be modified.”
Redick stated Vincent is not going to play Sunday towards the Grizzlies, however the hope is that he can play both at New Orleans on Tuesday or at San Antonio on Wednesday.
“We’ve acquired to get him publicity to dwell play, and with the journey day on Monday, that’s gonna be robust,” Redick stated.
