In a convincing NBA In-Season Tournament matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 134-107, marking their third win in a row. D’Angelo Russell led the scoring with 24 points, supported by Anthony Davis, who put up 19 points and 11 rebounds while recording six blocks. LeBron James played a shortened game of 23 minutes, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds. This win keeps the Lakers perfect at home (5-0) and undefeated in the tournament (2-0). The Lakers' shooting was the story of the night; they connected on 22 three-pointers—including six from Russell and four from Austin Reaves (who also had 12 rebounds and 7 assists). After struggling early in the season, LA shot 58% from the field and 62.9% from deep, dominating Memphis in the rebounding battle 54-33.
D’Angelo Russell scored 24 points and Anthony Davis had 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocked shots as the Los Angeles Lakers went on to register their third straight win, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 134-107 in the NBA In-Season Tournament. LeBron James had 16 points and nine rebounds in only 23 minutes of action for the Lakers, who advanced to 5-0 at home and 2-0 in tournament play with their first easy win of the season. American point guard Russell made six of the Lakers’ 22 3-pointers, tying a franchise record, while Austin Reaves made four while scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. After struggling with shooting in the first ten games of the season, Los Angeles made 58% of its shots and hit 62.9% of its 3-point attempts against Memphis, outrebounding Memphis 54-33.
Before this game, the Lakers hadn't won by more than six points all season, but they completely shifted gears here, building a massive 31-point lead in the second half. The game was so decided that stars James, Davis, and Russell rested for the entire final quarter. Rui Hachimura stepped up during that closing stretch, scoring 12 of his 23 total points to seal the deal. Meanwhile, Santi Aldama put up a personal best with 24 points for Memphis, though the Grizzlies' night was marred by injuries to two more players shortly after their unexpected win over the Clippers.
The Grizzlies' night grew worse when Marcus Smart went down with a left ankle injury in the first quarter after landing on Austin Reaves' foot; he was unable to put weight on it and will be re-evaluated upon returning home. Additionally, Luke Kennard was sidelined for the second half due to knee soreness. While Memphis attempted 20 three-pointers, they found it nearly impossible to score inside, stifled by a defense anchored by Anthony Davis.
Tensions flared early on with an altercation between Anthony Davis and Santi Aldama under the rim, resulting in five total technical fouls for both teams in the first quarter. The chaos began when Aldama confronted Davis after a basket, leading Davis to shove him. The scuffle expanded when Russell shoved Desmond Bane, and Jenkins was also slapped with a technical.
By halftime, the Lakers had established a commanding 74-51 lead—their most productive first half of the season—largely thanks to Davis's 15 points and eight rebounds. LeBron James was back in the lineup after resting a shin injury during the Portland game. However, LA was still without Gabe Vincent and Jarrett Vanderbilt, though Vanderbilt has finally been cleared to begin his return from a season-long heel injury.