Lakers (21–11) vs. Grizzlies (15–19) | Game 33 of 82
Where to Watch and What Time
📅 Date: Sunday, Jan. 4
⏰ Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. PST
📍 Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif
📺 TV: Spectrum SportsNet
📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Los Angeles Lakers are undefeated in the New Year and 21-11 on the season as they look to face the Memphis Grizzlies for the second time in three days on Sunday.
The Lakers dropped the Grizzlies 128-121 on Friday behind a commanding fourth-quarter close from Luka Dončić and LeBron James, who combined for 65 points. Dončić had 34 points—his 18th game this season over 30 points—and James had 31 points (nine rebounds, six assists).
Dončić still leads the NBA in scoring at 33.6 points (8.7 assists, 8.1 rebounds) a game in 25 games. James has averaged 21 points, 6.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 16 games.
Even with Dončić still being the NBA’s best scoring threat, he has struggled to find his shot from 3 in the last three games, shooting 28% from deep on nine of 32.
Dončić is shooting 31.7% overall from 3, which is his lowest 3-point percentage since his rookie season, when he shot 31.6% in 61 games.
Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia gave the Lakers a huge boost in the first game against Memphis. The two gave L.A. consistent effort filling in while Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are out of the starting lineup.
Grizzlies Ja Morant and Santi Aldama were added to Memphis’ injury report on Saturday and will be questionable against the Lakers. If Morant can’t go, then look for Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the bulk of the production for the Grizzlies, as the big man had a great night (25 points on 12-of-15) against Deandre Ayton.
The Grizzlies have lost three straight and should come out with more urgency to avoid their skid continuing.
A chunk of Memphis’ wins have been against teams with a losing record, with 13 of their 15 wins being against teams under .500, while they are 2-16 against teams with a winning record.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are 14-3 against teams under .500 and 7-8 against teams with a winning record.
Hachimura remains out of the starting unit; coach JJ Redick said he should make his return, barring any setbacks, this week after their two game series against Memphis.
Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
Gabe Vincent (lower back tightness): Out
Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness): Out
Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out
Ja Morant (calf): Questionable
Santi Aldama (ankle): Questionable
Vince Williams Jr (knee): Out
Zach Edey (ankle): Out
Brandon Clarke (calf): Out
John Konchar (thumb): Out
Ty Jerome (calf): Out
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe): Out
The Lakers will rock their white unis at home, while Memphis will wear their classic black away uniforms.
The Lakers will head on the road for the next two games, heading to New Orleans and then San Antonio.