LeBron James continued his incredible start to the season with another masterful performance, posting 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds for his third consecutive triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-123 on Wednesday night.
James was in full control of the game, shooting 13-of-22 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, leading his team in both playmaking and scoring as the Lakers secured their sixth straight home victory.
While James delivered the headline performance, it was Anthony Davis who played a critical role in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 21 points in the final frame. Davis, who had picked up his fifth foul with 3:51 left in the third quarter, returned to the court with 6:48 left in the game and quickly made an impact. His clutch 3-pointer with 4:51 remaining gave Los Angeles a 111-108 lead, which they would not relinquish, and proved to be the game-winning shot.
The Grizzlies, led by the ever-reliable Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 29 points, held a 96-91 lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Lakers came out of the gates with a 10-2 run to start the period, setting the stage for an intense back-and-forth battle. The lead changed hands three times in the final minutes, with both teams trading big shots before Davis’ timely 3-pointer pushed the Lakers ahead for good.
Rookie Dalton Knecht was another key contributor for the Lakers, adding 19 points, including a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range. Knecht’s flawless shooting from beyond the arc helped the Lakers set a new season-high of 20 3-pointers made, a stat that played a pivotal role in their offensive success. Rui Hachimura also chipped in with 19 points, providing additional scoring depth off the bench.
Memphis, despite missing star point guard Ja Morant, kept things competitive throughout, as they had seven players in double figures for the fourth straight game. Marcus Smart made his return after missing six games due to an ankle injury and contributed 14 points, providing a spark for the Grizzlies. However, Memphis’ efforts fell short as they couldn’t contain the Lakers’ late-game offensive onslaught.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media



Davis’ 3-pointer wasn’t the only milestone of the game. The Lakers’ big man also reached 18,000 career points with a layup at the 7:51 mark of the first quarter. Davis became just the 80th player in NBA history to reach the 18,000-point milestone and the 12th player since 1973-74 to also have at least 7,000 rebounds and 1,500 blocks, solidifying his place among the NBA’s elite big men.
One of the key takeaways from this game was Los Angeles’ perimeter shooting. The Lakers’ 20 made 3-pointers were a season-high, and their ability to spread the floor and hit from deep was a major factor in overcoming Memphis’ lead in the second half. The Lakers’ offense, which has had its ups and downs, looked much more fluid and potent in this contest, thanks to the long-range shooting from Knecht, Hachimura, and others.
The Grizzlies’ shooting wasn’t as sharp, particularly from the perimeter, but they showed a lot of grit despite the loss. Memphis was without Morant, but their depth has been a strength this season, as evidenced by their balanced scoring attack. With Jackson leading the charge, the Grizzlies stayed competitive and were always within striking distance, but they ultimately couldn’t stop the Lakers’ surge in the fourth quarter.
The victory also continued the Lakers’ strong start to the season at home, as they remain unbeaten at the Staples Center, improving to 6-0 for the first time since the 2010-11 season. The home court advantage has been crucial for Los Angeles, and they’ll be hoping to carry this momentum forward as the season progresses.
The key moment in the game came when Davis hit that critical 3-pointer with just under five minutes remaining. The Lakers’ defense also played a big role, as they limited Memphis’ opportunities in the final minutes, with James and Davis anchoring the defense and controlling the tempo of the game.
As for what’s next, both teams will turn their attention to the NBA Cup games on Friday night. The Grizzlies will head to Golden State, looking to bounce back from this tough loss and continue their strong play. Meanwhile, the Lakers will travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs, hoping to extend their perfect home record on the road.
Overall, this game was another example of LeBron James’ brilliance, showing that even in his 21st season, he is still one of the best players in the league. His triple-double performance, combined with Davis’ timely scoring and the Lakers’ impressive shooting, allowed Los Angeles to outlast the Grizzlies in a thrilling contest. With their home dominance and rising stars like Knecht contributing, the Lakers are proving to be a team to watch as the season continues.