The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled this season with a 20-25 record while the Memphis Grizzlies continue their fine form with a 31-13 record.
The Lakers improve to 21-25 as they stop the Grizzlies' 11-game winning streak.
Clarke misses the second free throw as the Lakers hold on to win the game.
Schroder steals the ball to make the layup and the free throw to put the Lakers up two points as the Grizzlies call a time-out.
Jones hits clutch free throws for the Grizzlies, it's a close game as the Lakers call a time-out.
Late in the game the Lakers decided to send Steven Adams, Clarke and Desmond Bane to the line.
Brandon Clarke has now made all seven shots from the bench as the Grizzlies establish an eight-point lead with five minutes left.
Russ gets it to go!
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2023
He's got 24.
Lakers/Grizzlies heading down the stretch on ESPN pic.twitter.com/R7AAzG1MO3
Physical by both sides to start the fourth quarter. The Lakers start off swinging by playing through James and knocking down some three-point shots.
FOURTH QUARTER
Morant came alive in the third quarter and although they led by 13 at one stage take an eight-point lead to start the fourth quarter.
Ja doing Ja things in the 3Q on ESPN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tKmiwmX0gq
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2023
Morant continues to heat up as the Grizzlies force a Lakers time out leading by eight points.
Morant gets going with nine points in the third quarter as play gets physical between the two sides
The Lakers start the third quarter with a quick 4-0 run led by James to reduce the deficit.
HALFTIME BREAK
The Grizzlies are looking for their 12 straight victory as they go to the break with a 53-49 lead against the Lakers.
Morant has struggled all game with just two shots from 10 taken at the halftime break.
The Grizzlies were able to put together a couple of decent stops showing why they are the number one-rated defense in the NBA.
Back and forth it continues to go as Morant gets going and the Grizzlies begin to create separation against the Lakers.
The soaring dunks and blocks are special... but Ja's ability to hover longer than his defenders is just as mind-blowing.
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2023
Watch his @memgrizz seek 12 straight wins, now on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/gpSqkcD15R
The Lakers one of the worst shooting teams in the league hit five three-pointers in the first quarter.
They take a three-point lead to the second quarter with Russell Westbrook giving a spark off the bench. Morant has been quiet so far for the Grizzlies but set up his teammates with five assists.
LeBron plays the D.
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2023
LeBron starts the break.
LeBron runs the floor.
Russ finds him... 8-0 @Lakers run on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/KuCGEiZbqY
A fast start by the Grizzlies is stopped by an 8-0 run by the Lakers.
LeBron James with a three-pointer and lay up in transition to put the Lakers in front as the Grizzlies call a time-out.
STARTING LINEUPS
Friday Five#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/J9ZkcGfat4
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 21, 2023
FIRST 5 vs. @Lakers
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 21, 2023
⛷ @JaMorant
🎯 @DBane0625
🦹♂️ @dillonbrooks24
🦄 @jarenjacksonjr
🥝 @RealStevenAdams@Verizon | #BigMemphis pic.twitter.com/1jh51dlruo
LeBron James has been sensational for the Lakers in the absence of co-star Anthony Davis.
The Lakers are 13th in a loaded Western Conference and now need to make a push for a playoff spot.