November 14 – LeBron James delivered another vintage performance, recording his third consecutive triple-double to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The win kept the Lakers’ unbeaten home record intact, now standing at 6-0. James showcased his all-around game with 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds, marking his fourth triple-double of the season and continuing a dominant start to the Lakers’ campaign at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
In addition to James’ triple-double, the Lakers received key contributions from rookie Dalton Knecht, who scored a career-high 19 points, going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. This breakout game from Knecht added a valuable scoring dimension for the Lakers, providing much-needed depth and helping them maintain their stronghold at home.
Anthony Davis was another crucial figure in the win, tallying 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Davis was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that shifted the momentum and gave the Lakers a 116-110 lead with under four minutes to play. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves also made their presence felt, with Hachimura scoring 19 points and Reaves contributing 18, including a critical three-pointer that stretched the Lakers’ lead to 124-117 with just over a minute left.
Grizzlies Fight Hard Despite Missing Key Players
The Memphis Grizzlies were shorthanded, missing star player Ja Morant for the third straight game due to a hip injury, along with Brandon Clarke (toe) and Desmond Bane (oblique). Despite these absences, the Grizzlies put up a valiant fight, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way with 29 points. The Grizzlies also displayed impressive depth, with seven players scoring in double figures for the fourth consecutive game. Alongside Jackson’s standout performance, Scotty Pippen Jr., Santi Aldama, and Marcus Smart each contributed 15 points, while Luke Kennard and Zach Edey added 12 apiece.
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A Tale of Two Halves: Lakers’ Hot Start, Grizzlies’ Comeback Attempt
The Lakers opened the game in high gear, establishing a 13-point lead in the first quarter and shooting 60.9% from the field. By the second quarter, the Lakers held a 60-48 advantage, but Memphis responded with a strong 16-5 run to narrow the gap to 65-64 by halftime. James led all scorers in the first half with 20 points, setting the tone for what would be an intense, back-and-forth contest.
The Grizzlies carried their momentum into the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers and establishing a nine-point lead on multiple occasions. Despite being down by 15 points early in the game, Memphis displayed resilience and headed into the final quarter with a 96-91 advantage.
Lakers’ Late-Game Surge Secures Victory
The Lakers opened the fourth quarter with a 10-2 run, reclaiming the lead with a James layup that made it 101-98. From that point, the lead traded hands several times, with each team demonstrating strong offensive play. However, Davis’ back-to-back three-pointers late in the game provided the Lakers with breathing room, giving them a 116-110 lead and ultimately sealing the victory. The Lakers maintained their composure in the closing minutes, with Reaves’ three-pointer at the 1:09 mark securing a seven-point cushion that the Grizzlies couldn’t overcome.
James’ Triple-Double Excellence: A Record-Setting Start
James’ performance was a masterclass in versatility, adding to his impressive record of triple-doubles this season. With this latest triple-double, James continues to prove that age is just a number, dominating the court with a combination of skill, experience, and determination. His 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds not only kept the Lakers undefeated at home but also underscored his leadership role on a roster filled with both young and veteran talent.
3 straight triple-doubles for @KingJames.
3 straight wins for the @Lakers.35, 12 and 14 for the as LAL moves to 6-0 at home! pic.twitter.com/AyvHOYp7oQ
— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2024
James’ playmaking was instrumental in the Lakers’ offensive flow, as he consistently found teammates for open shots while also attacking the rim with his signature drives. His ability to control the tempo and set up his teammates in crucial moments helped the Lakers maintain their edge in a tightly contested game.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies: Key Game Stats
Throughout the game, the Lakers outshot the Grizzlies 50.6% to 47.2%, showcasing their efficiency from the field. While Memphis had an impressive shooting performance in the second quarter, converting 70% of their shots, the Lakers responded with consistent scoring across all quarters. Los Angeles capitalized on Memphis’ absences, particularly the lack of Morant’s playmaking and scoring ability, which made it challenging for the Grizzlies to keep up in the final minutes.
Looking Ahead: Lakers’ Confidence and Depth on Display
The Lakers’ perfect 6-0 home record now matches the best in the NBA, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. The impressive start has bolstered the Lakers’ confidence, especially as they aim to build momentum with strong performances from their key players. This game showcased the depth of the Lakers’ roster, as players like Knecht, Reaves, and Hachimura stepped up alongside James and Davis. Their contributions underscore the team’s potential to make a deep playoff run if they can stay healthy and maintain their chemistry.
For Memphis, the absence of Morant and other key players was clearly felt, but their ability to stay competitive with a balanced scoring effort bodes well for when they return to full strength. The Grizzlies have shown resilience despite adversity, and they’ll be eager to bounce back in their next matchup.
