The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another lopsided loss on Sunday, falling to the Memphis Grizzlies 112-96. The Grizzlies, a typically offensively challenged team, were able to get everything they wanted on the offensive end, a theme of the Lakers season to date. The Lakers did not hold a lead at any time during the game.
The Lakers received a surprising great game from Larry Nance, Jr. who had career highs in both points and rebounds, putting up 17 and 11 in his nearly 25 minutes of playing time. Nance, Jr. shot the ball exceptionally well, even making several jumpers to go along with his now regular dunks.
Outside of Nance, there were not too many positives for the Lakers. Jordan Clarkson shot the ball efficiently, but was routinely beat by Mike Conley on the other end. D’Angelo Russell hit two threes, extending his lead as the top three-point maker in the rookie class, but was largely silent, playing from behind all game and not getting anything going. Julius Randle continued his strong rebounding efforts, showing much energy, in corralling 13 boards in just 23 minutes, but was unable to guard Zach Randolph on the other end. Kobe Bryant started the game off hot, going 5-9 in the first quarter but missed all but one of his six remaining shots while battling knee soreness and unconventional rotations.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, had big contributions from their stars with Conley, Randolph, and Marc Gasol all having huge games while all played fewer than 25 minutes. The rest of the Grizzlies also had a successful night as the team shot 56.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three.
Byron Scott continued waging war on the Lakers young players, with Clarkson, Russell, and Randle each playing 27 minutes or fewer despite the blowout and despite their mostly solid play. Meanwhile, Lou Williams, who had been battling shoulder soreness, led the team with 30 minutes despite a mostly dismal effort, scoring five points on 2-10 shooting and only adding one assist and one blocked shot.
The Lakers play again on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite soreness in his knee, Bryant says he will attempt to suit up for that game.
