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Los Angeles Lakers: Takeaways from nail-biting win over Grizzlies

By Joseph Cervantes

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Brandon Dill/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Brandon Dill/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night to win their seventh straight game in a row. However, it wasn’t a pretty win for the purple and gold.

It wasn’t a pretty win for the Los Angeles Lakers but the strong efforts of Anthony Davis and LeBron James late in the fourth quarter helped the team extend its win streak.

Here are three takeaways from the Lakers’ 109-108 win over the Grizzlies:

1. Anthony Davis is making an early case for DPOY

Anthony Davis recorded five blocks as well as three steals in the win against the Grizzlies. Davis is leading the NBA in blocks, averaging 2.8 a game.  Davis was one of the few Lakers applying defensive pressure throughout the game, including the game-winning defensive play he had against Jaren Jackson to seal the game.

While his teammates struggled to contain the Grizzlies’ shooting from deep, Davis did his job across the entire game and made life tougher on the interior for the Grizzlies.

2. Rajon Rondo’s playmaking abilities are helping the Lakers

Rajon Rondo’s playmaking ability and high basketball IQ opened up the second unit and his presence was a key reason why the bench was able to carry the starting lineup in the first half.  Rondo finished with 14 points, six assists and five rebounds as well as making numerous plays on both ends of the court.

Rondo was one of the only three Lakers to finish with a positive rating during the sloppy first half. After coming off the calf injury that caused him to miss the first ten games of the season, Rondo seems to be fitting into the roster nicely.

3. Avery Bradley’s absence is being felt on defense

The Los Angeles Lakers allowed the inexperienced Grizzlies team to score 60 points in the first half. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is Avery Bradley‘s replacement, guarded Ja Morant for most of the game but still couldn’t contain him. Morant scored a season-high 26 points while shooting 62.5% from the field.

Back in October, when the Lakers first played the Grizzlies, Bradley held Morant to just 16 points on 6-13 shooting. The Lakers’ defense went from allowing 101.1 PPG to 102.5 PPG during the timespan of Bradley’s injury, however, they are still ranked #1 in defensive rating.

Lakers will be in elite company after 25 games. dark. Next

The Lakers are planning to have Bradley evaluated on Friday. He last played on November 13 against the Golden State Warriors.

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