LeBron James achieved a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Rui Hachimura scored 32 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers secure a significant lead in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 136-124 on Wednesday night.
After their recent double-overtime victory against Milwaukee, where James was absent, the Lakers extended their winning streak to five games. This victory brought them closer to the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings, reducing the gap to 2 1/2 games behind Dallas.
Despite Anthony Davis sitting out due to a knee injury, Hachimura’s impressive performance, especially his accurate shooting, was crucial for the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell contributed 23 points, and Taurean Prince added 15 to support the team’s effort.
For the Grizzlies, Desmond Bane led with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, while Jake LaRavia scored 25 points, with 14 of them coming in the final quarter.
However, Memphis struggled to keep up with the Lakers’ pace throughout the game.
Although the Lakers faced fatigue from their previous intense game, they maintained their shooting accuracy in the first half, leading 69-61 by halftime. Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized the importance of establishing a rhythm early on, considering their recent exertion against Milwaukee.
In the third quarter, the Lakers showcased their proficiency from beyond the arc, extending their lead to 27 points. Although Memphis staged a late comeback in the third, reducing the deficit to 10 points, the Lakers held on to their advantage in the final quarter.
Brandon Clarke’s return provided a morale boost for the Grizzlies, marking his first game since recovering from an Achilles injury. Despite the loss, Clarke expressed his joy at being back on the court after a long absence.
The Lakers’ current performance mirrors their successful push for the playoffs last season. With the postseason approaching, the team remains focused on securing victories and improving their playoff positioning.
