The Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) are looking to bounce back after two straight losses as they face the Memphis Grizzlies (4-4) tonight at the FedEx Forum. Despite some recent struggles, the Lakers have a solid chance of ending their road trip on a high note. Here are five important reasons why the Lakers could come out victorious against the Grizzlies:
1. Grizzlies' Key Players Are Sidelined
The Grizzlies are facing a tough situation with several key players out due to injuries. Marcus Smart, who provides strong perimeter defense and contributes with 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, is sidelined with an ankle sprain. Desmond Bane, arguably the team’s second-best player, is also out with an oblique strain. Bane has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists this season, shooting efficiently at 48.6% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.
Additionally, GG Jackson, Luke Kennard, and John Konchar are unavailable, leaving Ja Morant as the primary scoring threat. With limited depth, Memphis will find it challenging to keep pace with the Lakers.
2. LeBron James' Matchup Advantage
LeBron James has an edge in this matchup, as the Grizzlies lack a reliable defender who can effectively guard him. Jaren Jackson Jr. might take on the assignment, but LeBron has historically excelled against him. Over his career, LeBron has averaged 24.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in games against Jackson, holding a 12-7 record.
This season, LeBron has been efficient and productive, averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field and an impressive 44.4% from beyond the arc. With the Grizzlies' defensive personnel spread thin, LeBron has an opportunity to exploit favorable matchups and control the game’s tempo.
3. Anthony Davis' MVP-Caliber Start
Anthony Davis is off to the best start of his career, averaging 32.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 57.1% from the field. Though he’s listed as questionable after a minor injury scare in the previous game, Davis has been vocal about his goal of playing all 82 games this season. He is likely to suit up unless his injury is serious.
If Davis plays, he will be a dominant force against a Memphis frontcourt lacking depth. Even with Jaren Jackson Jr. guarding him, the Grizzlies will struggle to contain Davis' versatility and physicality. Zach Edey and the rest of Memphis' big men will be hard-pressed to slow him down if he’s at full strength.
4. Key Contributions from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura
Austin Reaves has emerged as a crucial player for the Lakers this season, averaging 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 47.2% shooting from the field and 35.6% from deep. He will likely be tasked with defending Ja Morant, who has started the season with averages of 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. While Morant poses a significant challenge, Reaves’ two-way play will be pivotal in containing him and giving the Lakers an edge.
Rui Hachimura, meanwhile, has shown flashes of his potential but has been inconsistent in recent games. He’s averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 42.0% shooting, including an impressive 57.1% from three. With Memphis weakened, this could be the perfect game for Hachimura to step up and regain his rhythm.
5. JJ Redick's Strategic Adjustments
Head coach JJ Redick has already shown a knack for making tactical adjustments, and he’s likely to tweak the Lakers' strategies and rotations tonight. The return of Cam Reddish last game provided valuable minutes off the bench, and Redick might give Dalton Knecht more scoring opportunities to add a spark to the offense.
One key area Redick will need to address is the Lakers' interior defense. Memphis ranks first in the league for points in the paint, averaging 61.0 per game. Meanwhile, the Lakers rank near the bottom in paint defense, allowing 54.3 points per game in the paint. If Redick can tighten the defense around the rim, the Lakers can stifle one of Memphis’ primary scoring methods and dictate the game’s pace.
Despite the recent losses, the Lakers are well-positioned to defeat the Grizzlies tonight. With Memphis dealing with a depleted roster, LeBron’s matchup advantage, Davis’ dominant form, key contributions from Reaves and Hachimura, and Redick’s strategic adjustments, the Lakers have multiple avenues to exploit. A win in Memphis would help the Lakers regain momentum as they wrap up their road trip and prepare to return home.
