Powered by LeBron James, Lakers take a 3-1 Lead Over the Grizzlies

In an intense and wild game four match-up against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers managed to secure a hard-fought win. The Lakers took a 117-111 victory in overtime to lead the series 3-1, leaving the Grizzlies on the brink of elimination. The match was marked by an exciting finish, where the Lakers surged ahead in overtime, starting with a 5-2 burst. Anthony Davis tipped-in a missed shot, which gave the Lakers a three-point lead. After a stop at the other end, LeBron James made a layup through Dillon Brooks’ foul, putting the Lakers up by five points with 28 seconds remaining. A stop at the other end sealed the win for the Lakers. James led the team with 22 points, 20 rebounds, and seven assists. He also became the first Lakers player since Shaquille O’Neal to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game. Austin Reaves led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points. Russell finished with 17 points, Vanderbilt scored 15, and Davis scored 12 points with 11 rebounds.

Although the Lakers struggled in the second half of the match, Memphis failed to take full advantage. The Grizzlies were down by 14 points early in the second quarter, and the Lakers looked to be in total control. But Memphis regrouped towards the end of the half, finishing with a 14-1 run that cut the Lakers’ lead to just two points. The Grizzlies continued to keep the game close, and Ja Morant ended the third quarter with a buzzer-beating dunk to put them up by two.

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 36 points and seven rebounds, while Ja Morant added 19 points and seven assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Lakers will now be looking to close out the series in Memphis on Wednesday. LeBron James’ impressive 20-20 line makes him the oldest player to achieve such a feat since Wilt Chamberlain did it in 1973. With the Lakers’ star player in top form, they will be hoping to carry this momentum forward and make it past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since their title run in 2020.