Lakers get back to .500, take down Memphis Grizzlies in LA

It’s been an interesting start for the Los Angeles Lakers, but regardless of all of that, they’re now 5-5 on the year.

Los Angeles held an 18-point lead going into the fourth quarter before being out-scored by 13 at home, which thankfully wasn’t enough for them to blow the game. It was a statement win for the Lonzo Ball-led Lakers, especially when you consider the way that Memphis has come out of the gate to start their season.

The Grizzlies have already beaten Houston twice as well as gotten the upper hand in a clash with Golden State, however now they’ve lost three of their last four games. The Lakers, on the other hand, have now won two in a row and three of their last four.

Los Angeles would have a four game winning streak if it weren’t for a ridiculous game-winner near the buzzer by Damian Lillard, but there’s nothing they can do to change that now.

As for the game against Memphis, Ball nearly notched a double double while Brook Lopez led the team again in scoring with 21 points. Surprisingly, Lopez only had one assist on the night while throwing out five assists.

Brandon Ingram scored 20 points of his own for Los Angeles, while Ball was the only starter who didn’t find his way into double figures with nine points to show for his effort. Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle helped in a major way off the bench, with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Clarkson has continued to show that he can thrive as a sixth man, but like the instance with Kyle Kuzma getting more minutes to replace the injured Larry Nance Jr., there could be a time where Clarkson finally gets some starting minutes.

Next: Lonzo's Impact Is Beyond The Box Score

Los Angeles won’t play another game until Wednesday, when they’ll be in Boston to square up with Kyrie Irving and the Celtics.