Anthony Davis delivered a commanding performance with 40 points and 16 rebounds, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
LeBron James returned to the lineup, adding 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in 34 minutes after missing two games due to a left foot injury and personal reasons.
Davis set the tone early, racking up 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first half alone, helping the Lakers to a commanding 64-46 lead at the break. Despite briefly exiting in the third quarter with a shoulder issue, Davis returned in the fourth to deliver 12 clutch points, ensuring the Lakers never surrendered their lead.
The Lakers were energized by James’ return, with the 38-year-old providing a balanced stat line despite some rust, including five turnovers. His presence, however, clearly sparked the team, highlighted by an early one-handed dunk, a block, and a tip-in basket that set the tone for Los Angeles in the opening minutes.
Austin Reaves continued his consistent play, chipping in 19 points, while the Lakers’ defense did just enough to neutralize Memphis’ league-leading offense. The Grizzlies, who entered the game on a four-game win streak, were held to 46 first-half points and couldn’t cut the deficit to fewer than two possessions in the second half.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 25 points, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Ja Morant added 20 points, while Zach Edey contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Luke Kennard provided some scoring off the bench with 12 points, but Memphis struggled to match Los Angeles’ energy and efficiency early on.
The Grizzlies’ offensive struggles were evident, particularly in the first half, where they fell into a 23-point hole. Despite showing resilience in the second half, Memphis couldn’t fully recover, missing key opportunities to close the gap late in the game.
Davis’ recent dominance has been a driving force for the Lakers, as the 31-year-old big man has now posted at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in three of his last four games. His ability to impose his will on both ends of the floor has been critical in keeping Los Angeles afloat during stretches without James.
Key moments
Key moments like James’ early contributions and Davis’ clutch fourth-quarter performance showcased the Lakers’ potential when their two stars are both on the court. While James is still finding his rhythm after time off, his leadership and playmaking continue to be vital for Los Angeles.
The Lakers never trailed in the game, demonstrating their ability to control the tempo from the opening tip. Reaves’ secondary scoring and Davis’ dominance helped them maintain their advantage, even as Memphis made a late push.
Both teams will be back in action on Thursday night. The Lakers head to Sacramento to face the Kings, while the Grizzlies look to bounce back at home against the Golden State Warriors.
Davis’ recent performances and the Lakers’ ability to rally around him and James will be critical as they continue to navigate the competitive Western Conference. For Memphis, finding consistency against top teams will be a key focus as they aim to keep their high-powered offense firing on all cylinders.