Facing the Memphis Grizzlies in a bid to break their losing streak, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves sinking to their lowest point of the season. They concluded the game with a 127-113 defeat and a 17-19 record. Despite 30+ point performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fell short. The formidable Grizzlies lineup was led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who recorded 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Marcus Smart also made a significant impact with 29 points, including eight three-pointers.
The Lakers evened the score to 103-103 with less than 8 minutes left. However, soon the Lakers faced a setback as the Grizzlies unleashed an 11-2 run, preventing the Lakers from making a comeback.
LeBron James is frustrated with the Lakers
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Amid the Lakers’ current struggles, LeBron James faced questions about how soon he envisions the team shaping up just like their In Season Tournament performance. Frustrated, James attempted to downplay the comparisons, dismissing them as just “two games.” Expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s recent performances, he bluntly stated, “We just s**k right now,” turning his gaze away from the microphones.
LeBron James: “We suck right now.” He also framed LAL’s in-season tournament as “only two games,” suggesting that championship should be given the proper weight pic.twitter.com/a1IaENpWyh
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 6, 2024
Despite being one of the teams with a lower ranking in three-point percentages, the Memphis Grizzlies surprisingly connected on more than 50% of their shots beyond the arc against the Lakers. When discussing this unexpected turn of events, James acknowledged the Grizzlies’ performance, giving them due credit. He emphasized the ability of NBA players to quickly turn around narratives and perceptions.
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Darvin Ham is being questioned more than ever
Darvin Ham has been on the receiving end of the criticism regarding the Lakers’ downfall in recent games. While refuting to validate his arguments regarding missing rotational pieces and the effects of injuries, his rotation choices are the point of the question. Earlier, he chose to bring Reaves off the bench, which resulted in the Lakers’ elevation, marking Ham’s move as a success. However, since the IST, his moves have yet to bear a long-term result.
In the recent attempt to reverse the team’s skid, coach Ham made his 10th starting lineup change of the season. It is also his third in the last 3 games. The latest feature showcased Reaves at point, Taurean Prince as shooting guard, Cam Reddish at forward, LeBron James at power, and Anthony Davis at center.
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The adjustment continued to be a troublesome affair for the purple and gold. Even though they led significantly in the first quarter, they slowly gave up the game after that. Ham is struggling to identify the best possible lineup and establish continuity throughout the season. Given that the season will only get tougher from here onwards, his authority is under the radar more than ever.