Home Basketball LeBron James returned to the court in the game against the Grizzlies: achieved a triple-double within three quarters

LeBron James returned to the court in the game against the Grizzlies: achieved a triple-double within three quarters

Basketball — 03/28/2024

Despite being short-handed, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to thrive. They extended their winning streak to five games with a 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a Wednesday night Western Conference matchup at FedExForum. The Lakers improved their overall record to 41-32, while the Grizzlies fell to 24-49 and a disappointing 1-6 in their last seven games.

Although the Purple and Gold welcomed back LeBron James, who returned to the court after missing Tuesday’s dramatic double-overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a left ankle injury, they were still without Anthony Davis, one of their key players, on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite this, the Lakers capitalized on the opportunity against one of the league’s weakest teams, boasting a well-rounded offense with seven players scoring in double figures.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 is congratulated by Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the charge. Rui Hachimura showcased his dominance with 32 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. D’Angelo Russell contributed 23 points, while Taurean Prince added 15 points, with the duo combining for eight three-pointers. Additionally, Austin Reaves delivered a double-double performance with 13 points and 11 assists, further solidifying the Lakers’ victory.

With the Los Angeles Lakers locked in a tight battle with the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns for the Nos. 6-8 seeds in the Western Conference, every remaining game of the season carries added significance. The Lakers displayed the anticipated sense of urgency in their latest game, with LeBron James igniting the team with an alley-oop slam, Rui Hachimura stepping up in the absence of Davis, D’Angelo Russell delivering from beyond the arc, Austin Reaves distributing the ball effectively, and Jaxson Hayes providing a strong presence in the paint.

Los Angeles effectively put the game out of reach in the third quarter, as Hachimura, Russell, and Taurean Prince found their rhythm from deep, while James completed his triple-double performance. Despite a late surge from the Grizzlies, who went on a 15-0 run to narrow the gap in the third quarter, Hachimura’s clutch three-pointers early in the fourth quarter halted their momentum and helped seal the victory for the Lakers.

If Hachimura can maintain this level of performance alongside James and Davis leading the charge in the crucial stretch of the season, the Lakers’ potential will be significantly elevated as they seek to extend their winning streak in their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.