The Lakers, coming off an agonizing loss to the Bulls on Josh Giddey’s buzzer-beater, claimed a key 134-127 victory over the Grizzlies that put them one game ahead of Memphis for fourth place in the West.
The Lakers spoiled the debut of interim Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo, who took over on Friday when the Grizzlies abruptly sacked Taylor Jenkins.
Austin Reaves scored 31 points and handed out eight assists for Los Angeles, who let an early 20-point lead get away but managed to come back after the Grizzlies took a 111-107 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic scored 29 points with eight rebounds and nine assists — including a no-look pass to LeBron James for a dunk.
James finished with 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists and Lakers coach JJ Redick said he was pleased with the poise his players showed after falling behind in the fourth quarter.
Desmond Bane scored 29 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 24 and Ja Morant — back from a six-game injury absence — contributed 22 for Memphis, but the Grizzlies suffered their third loss to the Lakers this season, giving Los Angeles the tiebreaker edge if needed in the playoff race.
“We knew this was a big game for us, in the sense of how we lost the other night,” said Reaves, who converted a three-point play that pushed the Lakers’ lead to nine points with 1:21 remaining.
“So coming into this game it’s obviously high intensity,” Reaves said. “And it’s hard, last game of a road trip, you’re pretty excited to go home. But for that three hours or whatever the game is you’ve got to lock in.”
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Photo: Justin Ford/Getty Images
