The Los Angeles Lakers continue to play short-handed without LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell, as well as backup center Mo Bamba, who is out with a sprained ankle. But they continue to find ways to prosper.
On Tuesday, they faced the Memphis Grizzlies, who played without Ja Morant, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke.
Both teams struggled offensively early, and after falling behind by seven early in the second quarter, L.A. fought back to make it a one-point game at halftime. Down the stretch, both teams went back and forth. Neither squad was able to go ahead by more than two possessions until the final moments.
That’s when the Lakers tightened up their defense, and, behind yet another dominant all-around performance from Anthony Davis, they emerged victorious, 112-103.
They have won seven of their last 10 games since the players acquired in the Russell Westbrook trade debuted. In addition, the win elevated them to the ninth spot in the Western Conference. They’re just two games out of sixth place.