Lakers Hold Off Grizzlies 128-121 as Doncic, James and LaRavia Spark Home Win
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The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2026 calendar year with a 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at Crypto.com Arena, securing their second win of the season against Memphis.
Los Angeles stormed out of the gate with nearly 40 points in the first quarter and stretched the margin to 15 before Memphis rallied to make it a one-possession game in the second half. The Lakers regrouped late to seal the result and snap a recent slide against playoff contenders.
Key performers
Luka Doncic paced all scorers with 34 points despite a cold shooting night, repeatedly exploiting the NBA’s most foul-prone team to earn 20 free-throw attempts. The guard also handed out eight assists and collected six rebounds.
LeBron James looked fresh on both ends, finishing with 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting along with nine rebounds and six assists.
Facing his former club, Jake LaRavia added 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block while providing timely perimeter shooting and hustle plays.
Game flow
The Lakers appeared in control after their fast start, but familiar complacency allowed the Grizzlies to chip away at the lead. Memphis briefly threatened to overtake Los Angeles before Doncic’s trips to the stripe and a late surge from James restored a multi-possession cushion in the closing minutes.
What’s next
The clubs meet again Sunday in another matchup at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers then embark on a back-to-back road swing, visiting the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Source: LakersNation.com
