Lakers edge Grizzlies 128-121 to begin 2024 on winning note
lakers-edge-grizzlies-128-121-to-begin-2024-on-winning-note
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the new calendar year with a 128-121 victory over the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, lifting their record to 21-11.
Los Angeles grabbed control early behind Luka Doncic’s 34 points and an energetic 21-point effort from Jake LaRavia, then spent much of the night fending off Memphis rallies. The Grizzlies erased double-digit deficits multiple times, including an 18-0 spurt that briefly put them in front.
LeBron James steadied the Lakers with 31 points, pacing himself through three quarters before delivering key scores down the stretch. Timely three-pointers, a handful of fast-break finishes and late defensive stops allowed Los Angeles to build a small cushion in the fourth quarter and keep it.
Memphis relied on its bench to stay close, frequently capitalizing when the Lakers eased up on the perimeter. Even so, the visitors could not overcome Los Angeles’ edge in transition points and second-chance opportunities.
Friday’s matchup was the first of back-to-back meetings between the teams. They will square off again Sunday in Los Angeles before the Lakers head out on a road trip.
Source: Hoops Wire
