Mandy
The Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers delivered an entertaining, back-and-forth contest on January 2 at Crypto.com Arena, but star power ultimately decided the outcome.
After three tightly contested quarters, the Lakers pulled away late behind dominant performances from Luka Dončić and LeBron James, handing Memphis a 128–121 defeat.
Lakers Take Control in the Fourth Quarter
The game was tied 96–96 heading into the fourth quarter, but momentum shifted as Memphis’ shooting cooled. Meanwhile, Los Angeles continued to find success on offense, leaning heavily on its two superstars.
- Luka Dončić finished as the game’s leading scorer with 34 points
- LeBron James added 31 points, providing steady leadership down the stretch
With the win, the Lakers improved to 21–11, while the Grizzlies dropped to 15–19, extending their losing streak to three games.
Strong Bench Play Keeps Memphis Competitive
Despite the loss, Memphis received valuable contributions from its bench unit throughout the night.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was particularly impactful, scoring 18 points, including 12 in the third quarter, helping the Grizzlies erase deficits and stay within reach.
At the end of three quarters, both teams were deadlocked, setting the stage for a decisive final period.
Halftime Update: Lakers Hold Slim Advantage
At halftime, the Lakers led 66–60, but the numbers told an interesting story:
- Memphis outscored Los Angeles 37–13 in bench points
- Lakers starters, however, consistently outperformed Memphis’ starting lineup
The Grizzlies briefly caught fire with an 18–0 scoring run in the second quarter after trailing by as many as 15 points, but Los Angeles responded strongly before the break.
Second Quarter Surge by Los Angeles
Midway through the second quarter, Memphis faced its largest deficit of the night, falling behind 55–40 with 7:30 remaining.
During that stretch, the Lakers were extremely efficient, shooting over 70% from the field, which allowed them to maintain control for much of the half.
Key Grizzlies Performances
While Memphis ultimately came up short, several players delivered notable performances:
- Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 25 points
- Ja Morant recorded his sixth double-double of the season, posting 16 points and 11 assists
Both Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who were initially listed as questionable, were active and contributed meaningful minutes.
What’s Next for the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies will look to snap their losing streak when they return to action on January 4, once again hitting the road to face the Lakers in a rematch.
The Lakers’ 128–121 victory showcased the difference elite star power can make late in games. While Memphis demonstrated depth and resilience through strong bench production, the combined scoring dominance of LeBron James and Luka Dončić proved decisive.
With another meeting just days away, the Grizzlies will aim to make adjustments and turn the tables in the upcoming rematch.
FAQs
What was the final score of Grizzlies vs Lakers on January 2?
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128–121.
Who led the scoring in the game?
Luka Dončić led all scorers with 34 points, followed closely by LeBron James with 31.
When do the Grizzlies play the Lakers again?
Memphis will face Los Angeles again on January 4, continuing their road trip.