Fresh off a pair of encouraging wins, the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies are now set to face off in a meeting between current and potential future stars.
This will be the Lakers’ last home game before a three-game road-trip, while for the Grizzlies, it’s a quick stop before they return to Memphis for a three-game homestand.
2-1 and looking better
The Lakers head to this battle having won their last two games. After an embarrassing loss to the LA Clippers in the opener, they beat the Utah Jazz (95-86) and Charlotte Hornets (120-101), with their two superstars leading the way. LeBron James, as always, is in his all-around form and has recorded a double-double in the last two games – 32 points and 10 assists vs. the Jazz; 20 points and 12 assists vs. the Hornets. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, is tearing it up down low. He has eight blocks in the last two outings to go along his almost automatic 25-plus points and 10-plus rebounds.
James (22 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 9 APG) and Davis (25 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 3 BPG) both had good showings in their respective season series versus the Grizzlies last season, but note that it’s a very different team now.
Dwight Howard got cheered in LA
Dwight Howard is one of the most hated players in Laker Nation, thanks to his beef with Kobe Bryant and poor play during that infamous Laker stint in the 2012-13 season. On Monday’s win over the Hornets, though, the crowd was all cheers for the big man, as he went a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor and finished with 16 points, 10 boards, and four blocks.
With Kyle Kuzma still nursing a foot injury, such a performance from the Lakers’ supporting cast is very much welcomed. No one is yet to truly shine and the coaching staff is hoping the group guys can finally be more consistent – prior to the Hornets game, only two Lakers outside of James and Davis have scored in double figures.
The Grizzlies will be coming off a cardiac win
The Grizzlies are 1-2 on the season and will be coming off last-second, 134-133 win over the Brooklyn Nets. It’s miles away from the beloved Grit N’ Grind Grizzlies squad, but the sweet victory should have the team feeling hyped, especially with their prized rookie putting on quite a show.
Ja Morant breaks out
Rookie Ja Morant will be strutting his way into Staples Center this Wednesday. He just had a stellar performance against the Nets, particularly against one of the league’s most skilled guards in Kyrie Irving. The 20-year-old led the Grizzlies with 30 points and nine assists, including a game-tying lay-up and a big block that forced overtime, where the team eventually earned a 134-133 win courtesy of a Jae Crowder buzzer-beater.
Morant is pacing the team in points (18), assists (6), and steals (1.7) per game, while also leading all starters in field goal shooting (51.2%). There’s a lot to expect from the kid and he’s continuing to appear ready to take on the challenge. Look for him to be a problem for the Lakers’ guards.
PREDICTION:
The Lakers win hard-fought battle, but expect Ja Morant to have a lot of success attacking the defense.
We should see an interesting battle between AD and the Grizzlies’ young big man, Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s basically a raw version of the Lakers All-Star.
