The LeBron-less Lakers encountered the Grizzlies in Memphis tonight and stayed at pace with them until the third quarter where they let the game go, losing 121-109.
In Sunday’s game against Dallas, LeBron injured his right foot in the fourth quarter. He pushed through and finished out the game, grabbing a win over the Mavericks, but now as he goes through medical evaluations, he’s going to be out indefinitely including tonight’s game against Memphis.
D’Angelo Russell, who was out against Dallas, was also unavailable tonight due to a right ankle sprain.
The Lakers looked to have found an antidote to compete without James and DLo, two starters. They found a big boost in Anthony Davis who played ferociously on both ends of the floor, Davis produced 28 points, 19 rebounds, and five blocks.
There was also aid in a few scorers off the bench. Austin Reaves went five-for-eight from the field and four-for-seven from three on his way to 17 points and 7 assists. Lonnie Walker IV was another Laker who brought some heat offensively. Walker hit five-for-ten from triple contributing to his total 21 points.
But this backing from Los Angeles wasn’t enough to combat the 26 turnovers they committed, allowing Memphis an extra 41 points.
Los Angeles also struggled defensively, especially around the rim. The Grizzlies garnered 86 points in the paint, practically double the amount the Lakers converted, 48.
“You got arguably the best player to ever play the game, you’re going to feel his absence. That’s for damn sure. But we have capable players at all positions. It’s just a matter of us slowing down … and having a rhythm to what we’re doing,” Head Coach Darvin Ham said postgame.
The third quarter is where things really started to decline for the Lakers. At the half, Ja Morant had only six points, but by the end of the third quarter he had 34, that is on his way to 39 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Memphis scored 47 in total in the third frame. It was a difficult quarter to recover from.
Tomorrow the Lakers are rounding out their road trip, they’ve got Oklahoma City Thunder before heading back to Los Angeles.
