The Lakers resumed their downward slide on Friday, losing 127-113 to the Grizzlies, another possibility for the worst loss of the season.

LeBron James came out this game on a goal to drain threes, dish dimes, and put the team on his shoulders after an uncommon terrible game. He finished the game with 32 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Following a shaky start, Anthony Davis stepped up and finished with 31 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a block.

Austin Reaves had a fantastic all-around game, scoring 19 points and dishing out a season-high 12 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. Christian Wood had a strong game, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, and a steal.

The Lakers and Grizzlies started the game at a similar pace, with both teams taking turns leading for the first six minutes. AD and Austin were early offensive contributors. LeBron began to fire up, making four three-pointers in a row.

Memphis led by three points to begin the third quarter. The Grizzlies’ spirit was inspired by the Lakers’ sluggish start. The Lakers regained a one-point lead thanks to a 3-pointer from Taurean Prince.

The Grizzlies were making a lot of 3-pointers in this game, which was helping them remain in the game. Jaren Jackson Jr. joined in on the three-ball fun, sinking a few of his own.

The quarter’s most memorable incident occurred when Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was called for a technical foul after losing his mind over JJJ and LeBron scrapping for the lost ball. Jaren was gripping LeBron’s arm, forcing him to elbow Jaren in order to pull his arm free. Jenkins’s confusion and bustle were the result of this.

AD, who was having a slow game, picked it up quickly and was all over the field this quarter. Thanks to a Ja Morant 3-pointer with a minute left in the third, it was once again a one-point game.

Austin halted the bleeding in the fourth quarter to tie the game, 94-94.

The Lakers turned the ball over more in the second half than they did in the first, allowing the Grizzlies to establish momentum in the fourth quarter. A LeBron 3-pointer nearly stopped the bleeding, but the Grizzlies responded and led by five points.

The Lakers’ energy was soon dwindling as the Grizzlies maintained their pace and led by eight points with four minutes remaining in the game.

A 3-pointer by Bane pierced the heart of the Lakers. They were still down by eight points, but their spirits were low with three minutes remaining in the game. Smart then twisted the dagger even more and nailed his 450th 3-pointer. The Lakers blew a game that they could have easily won.

Key Takeaways: As has been the case all season, the Lakers’ inability to defend the three-point line has allowed the opposition team to consistently drill three-pointers. On 45 attempts, the Grizzlies hit 23 three-pointers.