Here is what you need to know before the Lakers aim to extend their winning
streak against the Memphis Grizzlies.
1) Randle went into monster mode The Lakers wouldn’t have won four in a row
if it weren’t for the bulldozing play of Julius Randle, who stepped up in his
hometown of Dallas on Saturday.
Randle piled up 23 points and 15 rebounds, while saving his most important plays
for overtime. Randle was at the crux of the Lakers’ OT offense, hitting two
shots and sparking two more buckets with his screens.
Just one game removed from going scoreless for the first time this season, the
fourth-year Laker did all of his work in the paint, including the game-icing
put-back at the end of overtime.
The Lakers may have to lean on Randle even more heavily in this one, considering
that Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram are both listed as questionable to play.
Lakers hit five shots in overtime. Four were keyed by Julius Randle. – Tough Ra
ndle fadeaway- Randle’s clutch put-back- Two JC buckets off big Randle
screensJulius also had defensive stops on Harrison Barnes and Yogi Ferrell in
OT.: https://t.co/5JK57bEjnY pic.twitter.com/TsTskXquDj
2) Lakers’ defense has been airtight One of the constants during the Lakers’
four-game winning streak has been their active, communicative defense.
During this surge, opponents are averaging the league’s third-fewest points
(95.3) on the second-worst field goal percentage.
In addition to making shot tough for opposing players, the Lakers’ defense has
also found ways to make big plays in transition, ranking first in fast-break
scoring (26.0), steals (11.0) and rebounds (43.0).
On the other end of the floor, they have been spreading the ball around while
their shooters have heated up, as they are third in both assists (27.0) and
3-pointers (12.3).
The Lakers will need to focus on maintaining that defensive aggression and
offensive ball movement, especially if Ball cannot play.
3) Memphis can’t be underestimated Three weeks ago, a shorthanded Lakers
squad lost to the Grizzlies by 10 on their home floor.
Now — again facing the challenge of potentially being down two of their best
players — the Lakers must completely lock in and continue the unselfish,
defensive-first style of play that has won them four straight.
In particular, they have to limit Tyreke Evans, who erupted for 32 points (14 on
free throws), seven rebounds and seven assists when the Grizzlies visited
STAPLES Center last month.
Plus, Marc Gasol remains among the league’s best pick-and-roll options and
passing bigs.
Look for Memphis to try to grind the game down as much as possible, as they run
the league’s slowest pace and will try to limit the Lakers in transition.
Injury Report Lakers: Brandon Ingram (mild left ankle sprain) and Lonzo Ball
(sore left knee) are questionable. Grizzlies: Mike Conley (left heel) and
Chandler Parsons (right knee soreness) are out.
Tip-Off: 2:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes in L.A. TNT
nationally Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: FedExForum —
Memphis, Tennessee
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
Player: Julius Randle
Media Content: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/180115-lakers-grizzlies-preview
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Los Angeles Lakers, Julius Randle, Los Angeles
Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies
Media Thumbnail:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/lakers/sites/default/files/180115-gd.jpg
Taxonomy: 3 Things to Know
Story Link: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/180115-lakers-grizzlies-preview
