Tennessee’s Memphis The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 136-124 on Wednesday night after LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 32 points. The Lakers had a commanding lead in the third quarter.

The Lakers, who were without James on Tuesday night and came off a 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee, won five straight games to close the gap on idle Dallas to 2 1/2 games and secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference, which would spare them a play-in game. 

After recording a career-high 34 points and 23 rebounds in 52 minutes against Milwaukee, Anthony Davis did not play against Memphis. Against the Bucks, he hyperextended his left knee late in the game. James stated that Hachimura’s scoring, which included 7 of 8 3-pointers, and his 10 rebounds were crucial because Davis was not playing.

For us, Rai’s ability to shoot and stretch the floor was crucial, according to James. “He simply spent the entire night locked in.”

For Los Angeles, Taurean Prince scored 15 points and D’Angelo Russell added 23.

With 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, Desmond Bane led Memphis. Of his 25 points, Jake LaRavia scored 14 in the fourth quarter, and Jaren Jackson added 17. After seven games, the Grizzlies are down six.

The Lakers looked to be having no trouble with their shooting in the first half, leading 69-61 at the half despite the longer game the night before. After the Milwaukee win, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said it was important for Los Angeles to get their legs in the first half and let the second half play out, effectively predicting the game’s tempo.

“We began to settle into the game,” Ham remarked. “We were aware that this would not be an easy task after the Bucks game.”

In the third quarter, Los Angeles extended their lead to 27 points by making eight of their first ten long-range attempts. Memphis pulled ahead 102-92 going into the fourth quarter after closing the third on a 21-4 surge.

Throughout most of the fourth, the Lakers would hold a double-digit advantage.

Regarding Hachimura’s shooting, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins stated, “Priority was the paint.” He clearly benefited from some excellent ball movement. Although it was perhaps a touch late on my part, we adjusted late.

After a season marred by injuries, the Grizzlies were struggling to finish the game when Brandon Clarke returned. The 6-foot-8 big had been recovering from a left Achilles injury on March 5, 2023, when he last played. In nearly twenty-one minutes, he concluded with six points.

The moment Clarke entered the game in the first quarter, coming off the bench, the Memphis crowd cheered for him. The acknowledgment persisted until he was called to join the game, at which point there was a standing ovation.

While admitting he still needs to work on his endurance, Clarke stated, “I’m glad to get that first game over with.” “I’ve given it a lot of thought over the years. Although I wish we could have won, the game was enjoyable.

The way the Lakers are playing towards the end of the season is similar to their playoff run the previous year. After finishing the regular season with a 9-2 record, they advanced to the play-in round and defeated Minnesota before routing the Grizzlies in six games. 

“We’ve streamlined our laundry list,” Ham declared. We are aware that if we don’t take care of our own affairs, nothing else matters. There’s a distinct playoff aroma in the air. The postseason and the playoffs are almost approaching.