LeBron James Scores 31 as Shorthanded Lakers Top Grizzlies 128-121
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The Los Angeles Lakers halted a brief skid on Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 128-121 at Crypto.com Arena despite playing without Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent.
Head coach JJ Redick relied on expanded minutes from Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes, but the night belonged to LeBron James. The 41-year-old forward delivered 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting, nine rebounds and six assists. Partnered with Luka Doncic’s 34 points, six boards and eight assists, the duo powered Los Angeles back into the win column.
Redick: ‘He was phenomenal’
Redick praised James’ timely baskets during several Memphis runs. “There were just a few stretches where they made runs, and the response from him … it felt like nearly every time we needed a bucket, he just willed [one], whether it was driving the basketball, getting into the paint. He was phenomenal tonight,” the coach said.
James credits two days of rest
The Lakers had not played since Tuesday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, giving the roster—especially James—two full days without game action. “A couple days helped,” James said after the win. “We came in the morning of the 31st, got some work in, then had the rest of that day off and yesterday off. I got a great workout in this morning and felt good physically and mentally, so I tried to give what I had.”
Milestone birthday and personal reflection
James turned 41 on Dec. 30, the night Los Angeles fell to Detroit, becoming the first player in NBA history to score 30 points in a game after reaching that age. Reflecting on more than two decades in the league, he offered advice to his 18-year-old self: “Keep the main thing the main thing. Work hard—there’s no substitute for hard work and dedication. Keep the blinders on … protect your family, protect your mental space … and have fun. Enjoy the ride because it goes fast.”
The victory moves the Lakers back on track as they await the return of their injured contributors and continue navigating James’ selective workload deep into his 21st NBA season.
Source: LakersNation.com
