Lakers (20–11) vs. Grizzlies (15–18) | Game 32 of 82
Where to Watch and What Time
📅 Date: Friday, Jan. 2
⏰ Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PST
📍 Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif
📺 TV: Spectrum SportsNet
📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Los Angeles Lakers remain at home in the New Year for the fourth straight game in their second faceoff against the Memphis Grizzlies this season. It’ll be the 15th game at home and the first time they host the Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers dropped to 20-11 following a loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday after being outscored 58-41 in the second half. The loss, which was their fourth in the last five games, pushed L.A. to 7-8 against teams over .500 while being 13-3 against teams with losing records.
After the loss, head coach JJ Redick said he still hasn’t figured out what the team’s identity is and the changes to the lineup and rotations have been a challenge for the team.
They will need to search for that identity for the next month with Austin Reaves still out behind Luka Dončić, who had 30 points and 11 assists against Detroit, and LeBron James.
The Grizzlies have lost two straight with a 15-18 record and are coming off an overtime road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. In that loss, the Grizzlies had a higher field goal and 3-point percentage than Philly, but committed 20 turnovers.
Ja Morant, who has played in 16 of Memphis’ 33 games, scored a season-high 40 points on 16-of-22 shooting in the overtime loss. He’s averaged 18 points and 7.6 assists a game this season.
The Grizzlies have suffered a number of injuries to their frontcourt and overall roster this season. They currently have eight players on the injury report, with multiple being reevaluated for injuries that span from weeks to months.
Because of their injuries, Memphis recently signed former Lakers two-way center Christian Koloko to a 10-day contract. In four games, he’s averaged 2.5 points and 4.0 rebounds a game at 18 minutes a game.
The Lakers are 12-5 at home and the Grizzlies are 8-9 on the road.
Notable Opponent Ranks Among the NBA
The Grizzlies have the 23rd-rated (112.9) offense and the 13th-rated (113.9) defense in the NBA. Here are some notable (good and meh) rankings of where they sit among the league.
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4th in rebounds (46 a game)
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6th in assists (29 a game)
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18th in points a game (115.9)
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24th in FG% (45.7%)
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19th in 3P% (35.0%)
Jarred Vanderbilt was added to the injury report on Thursday and will be questionable for the contest.
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Jarred Vanderbilt (right leg soreness): Questionable
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Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
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Gabe Vincent (lower back tightness): Out
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Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness): Out
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Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out
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Vince Williams Jr (knee): Out
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring): Out
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Jaylen Wells (hamstring): Out
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Zach Edey (ankle): Out
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Brandon Clarke (calf): Out
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John Konchar (thumb): Out
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Ty Jerome (calf): Out
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Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe): Out
The Lakers will rock their black California Dream unis at home, while Memphis will wear their Platinum Soul Edition uniforms.
The Lakers will play the Grizzlies again on Sunday to cap off a five-game homestand and then head to New Orleans and San Antonio.