LeBron James, Luka Doncic Impress NBA Fans as Lakers Beat Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Luka Dončić posted 34 points and eight assists and LeBron James added 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 128-121.
The 20-11 Lakers entered this game in a slump with four losses in five contests by an average of 21.0 points. Their defense has been problematic all year, ranking 25th in efficiency entering the evening, per Basketball-Reference.
Los Angeles' defense wasn't particularly good on Friday, but it didn't matter. The 41-year-old James shot 12-of-18 from the field to boost the offense. Dončić didn't shoot as well (8-of-18), but he got to the line and fared well (17-of-20).
The Lakers also received great contributions from Jake LaRavia (21 points) and Marcus Smart (13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists).
Ultimately, a loss here against a now 15-19 Grizzlies team at home would have been a tough blow. It got hairy in the fourth quarter with the Lakers down 110-109 with five-and-a-half minutes left, but a 12-2 run put this away.
Fans praised the Lakers' leaders after this one.
L.A. will host Memphis again on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
