Lakers Rally Past Grizzlies 128–121 as Doncic and LeBron Take Over Late

Luka Dončić and LeBron James delivered a dominant fourth-quarter performance to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128–121 comeback win over the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at crypto.com Arena, opening a two-game series between the teams.
Dončić scored a game-high 34 points, including 17 from the free-throw line, while adding eight assists and six rebounds. James followed closely with 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as the veteran superstars controlled the game when it mattered most.
The Lakers sealed the win with a 12–2 run in the fourth quarter, sparked by Dončić’s playmaking and capped by a strong finish from James. Dončić scored four points and assisted on two three-pointers during the decisive stretch, before LeBron put the game out of reach with a key basket in the final minutes.
Despite being without six rotation players, including rookie center Zach Edey, Memphis remained competitive throughout. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points, while former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20 points. Ja Morant, coming off a 40-point performance in an overtime loss to Philadelphia earlier in the week, finished with 16 points and 11 assists.
The Grizzlies erased a 15-point deficit in the second quarter with an 18–0 scoring run, briefly taking control of the game. Caldwell-Pope knocked down two three-pointers during the surge, while Jock Landale contributed seven points. Memphis carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, forcing a 96–96 tie heading into the final period.
However, the Lakers’ experience proved decisive. With the game on the line, Dončić and James dictated the pace, converting from the line, creating open shots, and limiting Memphis’ transition opportunities.
With the win, Los Angeles improved to 21–11, while Memphis dropped to 15–19 and fell two games below .500 on the road. The teams will meet again Sunday night, also in Los Angeles.