Will LeBron James Play Tonight? Grizzlies vs. Lakers Injury Updates, Lineups, and Match Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers are beaming with confidence after posting back-to-back wins against the San Antonio Spurs. The 2020 NBA champions now fly to Memphis, where they will take on a Grizzles team massively handicapped by injuries. 

Venue: FedExForum

Time: 6 PM ET (January 3, 2020)

It will be a contrasting matchup between two Western Conference teams as one is high on confidence while the other is crippled with bad news. However, the NBA is famous for its unpredictability, so anything can happen at the FedExForum on Sunday. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers  – Preview and Lineups

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are currently 2-3 in the regular-season and a string of injuries are making them vulnerable to more defeats. The team is currently placed ninth in the West, but there is a chance that they might drop down further.

Ja Morant’s ankle injury has put the Grizzlies in a tough position, as he’s expected to be out for the next three weeks. Furthermore, another starer in Jaren Jackson Jr. will also sit out the game due to knee problems. 

The list goes on, as center Killian Tillie and forward Jontay Porter also listed out for the Lakers game on Sunday. Grayson Allen and Xavier Tillman aren’t back to 100% fitness from their previous injuries, so their participation is also questionable. 

Possible Lineup

Tyus Jones (G)

Dillon Brooks (G)

Kyle Anderson (F)

Brandon Clarke (F)

Jonas Valanciunas (C) 

Lakers

The Lakers seem to be in sublime form at the moment. They gained massive momentum by posting consecutive victories against the Spurs after a seemingly slow start to the season. As they gear up to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, here are a few players who might not play against them: 

The Lakers’ first blow is in the form of Alex Caruso’s health. The explosive guard will not play the Grizzlies game due to COVID-19 protocols. Furthermore, both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and LeBron James (ankle) are listed as questionable for the game. 

Possible Lineup

Dennis Schroder (G)

Wesley Matthews (G)

Kyle Kuzma (F)

Anthony Davis (F)

Marc Gasol (C) 

Prediction

There really isn’t a second outcome to this game, especially when these teams match on paper. The Lakers look strong favorites in this one, especially due to the absence of Ja Morant. The purple and gold have enough talent to get them the W even without LeBron, but that isn’t the case for Memphis. 

With a line of players sitting out due to injury, they will find it hard to cope with the intensity put forth by Anthony Davis and the Lake show. So, our prediction is that the Los Angeles Lakers will win the game by a comfortable margin and improve their winning streak to three games.