Lakers Outshine Grizzlies in High-Scoring Thriller, Spoil Memphis' Post-Taylor Jenkins Debut

Lakers Take Down Grizzlies in an Electrifying Showdown, Spoil Memphis’ New Era

Memphis, TN – The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just play spoiler—they put on a show. Austin Reaves erupted for 31 points, backed by Luka Dončić’s near triple-double, as the Lakers clinched a 134-127 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

This was Memphis’ first game after firing head coach Taylor Jenkins, and while Desmond Bane (29 pts) and Ja Morant (22 pts, 10 ast, 8 reb) kept the fight alive, the Lakers’ late-game dominance sealed the deal.

Fast-Paced Drama, High-Octane Action

The Lakers exploded out of the gate, finishing the first quarter up 39-28, fueled by Jarred Vanderbilt’s dunk and a dagger three from Dorian Finney-Smith. By the second quarter, a Lakers’ 11-0 run stretched their lead to 50-30, leaving Memphis reeling.

But the Grizzlies weren’t done. Bane and Morant engineered a fierce comeback, cutting the halftime deficit to 72-61 before Memphis stormed ahead in the third quarter. Bane’s three-pointer gave the Grizzlies their first lead, igniting FedExForum.

Fourth Quarter Fireworks

With 8:35 left in the fourth, Memphis pushed their lead to four, but then LeBron James took over. A stepback jumper, a rim-rattling dunk, and a 13-4 Lakers surge swung the momentum back to Los Angeles.

Down the stretch, Hachimura’s layup and Reaves’ clutch three-point play put the game out of reach, ensuring the Lakers’ second win in three games and a strong finish to their four-game road trip.

source: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/941028/nba-grizzlies-vs-lakers-march-30-2025/story/