Key Highlights
- Lakers secure win over Grizzlies with 34 points from Luka Doncic and 31 from LeBron James.
- Jake LaRavia makes a significant impact in the starting lineup, scoring 21 points and contributing nine rebounds and two steals.
- Jaxson Hayes earns playing time in the crucial fourth quarter, helping to secure the victory with 12 points on efficient shooting.
- Second-year forward Dalton Knecht receives more minutes as the Lakers navigate through injuries.
Lakers Clinch Victory Against Grizzlies: Key Takeaways
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, marking another crucial win in their quest for playoff contention. The game featured two standout performances from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who combined to score 65 points.
Leadership from Doncic and James
The Lakers’ duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James continued to dazzle fans with their on-court chemistry. Both players scored in double figures, reaching the 30-point mark for the third time as teammates this season. Doncic led the scoring with an efficient 17-for-20 shooting from the free-throw line, contributing a total of 34 points. LeBron James added 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting, along with nine rebounds and six assists.
Jake LaRavia’s Impact in the Starting Lineup
One of the standout performances came from Jake LaRavia, who stepped into the starting lineup in place of Rui Hachimura due to injury. The 6-foot-7 forward delivered a significant impact with his versatility and scoring punch, contributing 21 points while shooting three of six from beyond the arc. Additionally, he grabbed nine rebounds, made two steals, and blocked a shot. “Obviously it started with Jake,” stated LeBron James, highlighting LaRavia’s pivotal role in the win.
LaRavia’s journey to this moment has been challenging; he hadn’t scored 20 points since November 2nd.
During his career, LaRavia struggled with three-point accuracy, shooting just 30.9% from long range after hitting 42.3% last season. However, with the support of assistant coach Beau Levesque and a renewed focus on fundamentals, LaRavia showed his potential against Memphis.
Jaxson Hayes’ Closing Minutes
Another critical player in the victory was Jaxson Hayes, who made a significant impact off the bench. After being benched during the playoffs last year due to underperformance, Hayes returned with a strong performance in the fourth quarter. He played 11 minutes and 9 seconds of crucial game time, scoring 12 points on five-for-six shooting.
Hayes also contributed two steals and defensive blocks, significantly improving the Lakers’ defense.
Coach JJ Redick praised Hayes for his improvement in handling pick-and-rolls, noting how he controlled the paint more effectively against the Grizzlies. “His ability to control the paint for us has been huge,” said guard Marcus Smart. This performance marked a significant turnaround for Hayes after his struggles earlier in the season.
Expanding Playing Time for Dalton Knecht
The Lakers also saw an opportunity to expand playing time for second-year forward Dalton Knecht, who struggled with defensive lapses during their recent losing streak. Knecht will receive “consistent” minutes over the next few weeks as the team navigates through injuries. While he was scoreless against Memphis in just under 11 minutes of play, Knecht’s commitment to playing hard and making a consistent impact on defense is crucial for his chances of staying in the lineup.
Redick emphasized that Knecht needs to focus on defensive efforts rather than solely on his shooting percentage. With players like Maxi Kleber struggling with their form, Knecht has an opportunity to prove himself as a valuable contributor off the bench.
The Lakers’ upcoming schedule includes games against New Orleans and San Antonio in the coming weeks, providing opportunities for these key players to establish themselves and contribute to the team’s push towards the playoffs.
