Lakers Edge Grizzlies in Thrilling Contest
Friday, January 2, 2026, 10:30 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Lakers 128, Memphis Grizzlies 121, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Memphis Grizzlies 128-121 at crypto.com Arena on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 128-121 at the crypto.com Arena. This victory marks the Lakers' third consecutive win against the Grizzlies this season, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. The Lakers, boasting a home record of 21-11, faced a Grizzlies team struggling with a 15-19 record on the road.
The Lakers entered the game with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, having lost their most recent outing against the Detroit Pistons, 106-128. Their scoring average during this stretch was 111.8 points per game, while they allowed an average of 119.8 points. Conversely, the Grizzlies had a more balanced recent performance with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, although they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. The Grizzlies averaged 121.7 points while allowing 117.5 points in this timeframe.
When it comes to home versus away performance, the Lakers have struggled slightly at home, recording a 1-3 record in their last four games there. In contrast, the Grizzlies have shown some resilience on the road, with a 3-2 record in their last five away games. The previous meetings between these two teams this season had seen the Lakers secure victories, including a 117-112 win on November 1 and a 134-127 win on March 30.
In terms of injuries, the Grizzlies had several key players listed as day-to-day, including Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Walter Clayton Jr. (knee), Karim Lopez (undisclosed), and Jaylen Wells (toe). Richie Saunders was ruled out due to a knee injury. The status of these players could have significant implications for the Grizzlies' performance moving forward.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lakers favored to win by 5.5 points, with a total set at 241.5 points. The odds for the Lakers to win straight up were -205, while the Grizzlies were listed at +170.
The game was played under typical basketball conditions, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly from LeBron James, who played a pivotal role in the Lakers' offensive strategy. Key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included a driving layup by James that pushed the Lakers' lead to 128-116, and a three-point jumper from Jaylen Wells that brought the Grizzlies within striking distance at 119-128.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The Lakers' ability to maintain their lead in the series against the Grizzlies will be crucial as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -5.5 | 241.5 o -110 / u -110 | Memphis Grizzlies +170 · Los Angeles Lakers -205 |
Injury report
- Scotty Pippen Jr.Day-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
- Walter Clayton Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Karim LopezDay-To-DayUndisclosedMemphis Grizzlies
- Richie SaundersOutKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Jaylen WellsDay-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
Leaders
- PointsLuka Doncic34Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLuka Doncic8Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsLeBron James9Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsJaren Jackson Jr.25Memphis Grizzlies
- AssistsJa Morant11Memphis Grizzlies
- ReboundsSanti Aldama7Memphis Grizzlies
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1111.8 scored · 119.8 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L106-128vs Detroit PistonsDec 31
- W125-101vs Sacramento KingsDec 29
- L96-119vs Houston RocketsDec 26
- L108-132at Phoenix SunsDec 24
- L88-103at LA ClippersDec 21
- W143-135at Utah JazzDec 19
- W116-114at Phoenix SunsDec 15
- L119-132vs San Antonio SpursDec 11
- W112-108at Philadelphia 76ersDec 8
- L105-126at Boston CelticsDec 6
Memphis Grizzlies
Last 10: 5-5Streak L2121.7 scored · 117.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- L136-139vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 31
- L112-116at Washington WizardsDec 28
- W125-104vs Milwaukee BucksDec 27
- W137-128at Utah JazzDec 24
- L103-119at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 23
- L122-130vs Washington WizardsDec 21
- W116-110at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 18
- W121-103at LA ClippersDec 16
- L126-130vs Utah JazzDec 13
- W119-96vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Memphis Grizzlies | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 46-96 | 45-77 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 14-42 | 11-32 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 34 |
| Free throws | 15-23 | 27-31 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 36 |
| Assists | 32 | 26 |
| Steals | 10 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 27 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 60 | 68 |
| Fouls | 20 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 7 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter82-90Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-90Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes 14-foot step back jumpshot (Jaren Jackson Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-92Luka Doncic makes layup (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-92Ja Morant makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter88-92Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes 14-foot jumper
- 3rd Quarter88-93Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-94Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-94Ja Morant makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Santi Aldama assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-96LeBron James makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter93-96Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ja Morant assists)
- 3rd Quarter96-96Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ja Morant assists)
- 4th Quarter98-96Ja Morant makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter98-97LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-98LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-98GG Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-100LeBron James makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-102LeBron James makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-102Ja Morant makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter101-105Marcus Smart makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter104-105GG Jackson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaren Jackson Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter106-105Jaren Jackson Jr. makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (GG Jackson assists)
- 4th Quarter106-107Luka Doncic makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter108-107Cam Spencer makes driving layup (GG Jackson assists)
- 4th Quarter108-109Jaxson Hayes makes dunk (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter110-109Jaren Jackson Jr. makes driving layup (Ja Morant assists)
- 4th Quarter110-110Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-111Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-113Luka Doncic makes 8-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-116Jarred Vanderbilt makes 23-foot three point jumper (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter112-116Jaren Jackson Jr. makes driving layup (Cedric Coward assists)
- 4th Quarter112-119Jake LaRavia makes 25-foot three point jumper (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter112-121LeBron James makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-121Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-121Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-124Marcus Smart makes 23-foot three point jumper (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter116-124Jaren Jackson Jr. makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Ja Morant assists)
- 4th Quarter116-126Jaxson Hayes makes dunk (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter116-128LeBron James makes driving layup (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 4th Quarter119-128Jaylen Wells makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ja Morant assists)
- 4th Quarter121-128Santi Aldama makes 2-foot driving dunk (Ja Morant assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Memphis Grizzlies.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance18997
- OfficialsMitchell Ervin, Nick Buchert, John Conley
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