Lakers vs Grizzlies: Expected Starting Line-Up for the LA Side in the In-Season Tournament Home Debut

It might be another game without the star power of LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers. But if the Blazers game was anything to go by, tonight’s match against the Memphis Grizzlies will be an easy win. The Grizzlies have had it pretty bad this season. Securing just their second win of the season against the Blazers, the Volunteer State is looking to exploit a LeBron-less LA.

Not that it’s going to be easy in any way. On that note, why don’t we take a look at the expected starting line-up for the Lakers?

The expected starting line-up for the Los Angeles Lakers

The purple and gold started this season with a lot of confusion. Even with the management deciding to limit James’s game time, he was back on the court playing at full strength and 35+ minutes. Except for their season opener. But watching the team defeat the Blazers without Bron yesterday has lit hope in everyone’s minds.

To maintain their newfound confidence and harmony, they might field a starting lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James.

Even though LeBron is listed as questionable, there is a fair chance that we might see him on the floor. If that does happen, the Grizzlies are going to have their hands full. Taking a look at yesterday’s match is enough to know the kind of damage the Lakers can and are expected to do.

Davis led the scoreboard with 30 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Hachimura got 19, while Reaves and Reddish each put up 18. Right behind them were Prince with 11 points and D’Lo with a double-double – 11 points, and 11 assists. Maybe they just needed tough love or LA simply found out the balance and rhythm that eluded them for so long. Whatever the reason, the Grizzlies will be on a tightrope.

The Grizzlies’ tales of woe

When Ja Morant became part of the Memphis Grizzlies, they had emerged to be a dangerous grizzly. But with Morant’s incautious actions came a steep price to pay. Even though the front office landed veteran Marcus Smart to keep the ship steady, he is still struggling with the role assigned to him.

Read More: Ja Morant Roasts LeBron James and Lakers After Intense Game: “Them Mfs Be Getting Too Comfortable”

Getting their second win against the Blazers was the only silver lining. And even that is in dire straits, considering they are going against the legendary Lakers. They could have had a legitimate chance if LA were still in the same confusion they started with this season. However, their last win has extinguished those hopes as well.

Memphis had started the season with the hope that they would do what they needed to survive until Morant served his 25-game suspension. But that plan wasn’t solid enough, obviously. Their last game against a fumbling Clippers saw Bane leading with 27 points, and Smart taking the second place with 17 points and seven assists. Bismack Biyombo had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Hence, the expected starting lineup for the Grizzlies might look like this – Desmon Bane, Marcus Smart, Bismack Biyombo, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jacob Gilyard. They will be meet the Lakers for the first time since being humiliated by them in the 2023 playoffs. Once a team with major title contender capability, they are now in survival mode.

Hopefully, they can stay strong until Morant makes a comeback. Until then, what are your predictions on the expected lineup? Let us know in the comments below!

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