Lakers game today ends with Doncic’s supernova 34-point display, but James’ fourth quarter heroics truly decided the outcome

The Lakers game today delivered another clutch victory as Los Angeles defeated Memphis 128-121 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic erupted for 34 points, with exactly half coming from the free-throw line, while LeBron James added 31 points to secure the win. The two superstars dominated the pivotal fourth quarter, nearly blowing a 15-point second-quarter lead before rallying to edge the shorthanded Grizzlies.

Doncic Goes Supernova Against Shorthanded Grizzlies

Luka Doncic put on a clinic offensively against Memphis, showcasing his elite scoring touch on both ends of the floor. The Slovenian star attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and converting 17 of his 20 free throws to pace the Lakers offense.

Doncic also facilitated the offense efficiently with 8 assists, finding open shooters during critical possessions. His willingness to share the ball while maintaining scoring efficiency exemplified modern NBA ball movement.

The 34-point performance marked another dominant showing in what has become a prolific stretch for Doncic early in January 2026.

Fourth Quarter Heroics: The 12-2 Run That Decided Everything

The Lakers entered the final frame trailing neck-and-neck with Memphis at 96-96, but Doncic and James orchestrated an explosive 12-point run that put the game out of reach. Doncic scored 4 points during the spurt and assisted on two critical three-pointers as James closed it with a decisive basket.

This fourth-quarter surge exemplified championship-caliber execution when it matters most. The two-game set between Lakers and Grizzlies resumes Sunday in Los Angeles, giving both squads another opportunity to compete immediately.

LeBron’s 9 rebounds and 6 assists provided the playmaking and floor control necessary to weather Memphis’ comeback attempts throughout the fourth quarter.

Game Statistics and Player Performances

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Luka Doncic (Lakers)	34	6	8
LeBron James (Lakers)	31	9	6
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)	25	—	—
Ja Morant (Grizzlies)	16	—	11

Memphis Struggles Without Six Players As Depth Issues Mount

The Grizzlies entered Friday without six key players, including Zach Edey, forcing the organization to rely on role players and reserves. Despite the absences, Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up with a strong 25-point performance to lead Memphis’ offense.

Ja Morant added another strong showing with 16 points and 11 assists, continuing his recent form after dropping 40 points in an overtime loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday. Even with six bench contributors in double figures, the shorthanded Grizzlies couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ firepower down the stretch.

Former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 20 points for Memphis, though his heroics proved insufficient against the dynamic Lakers duo.

Will the Lakers Continue Their Winning Ways in the Rematch on Sunday?

Both teams reconvene at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday for the second matchup of their two-game series. The Lakers improved to 21-11 with their victory, solidifying their position in the Western Conference playoff picture as they chase higher seeding.

Memphis, conversely, has now dropped four of six games and sits under .500 on the road with their 15-19 record. The second clash will determine whether the Lakers’ hot fourth-quarter execution translates into another winning effort or if the Grizzlies can regroup and respond with greater defensive intensity.

With Doncic and James performing at elite levels and the Lakers’ ability to make crucial plays in critical moments, Los Angeles appears poised to compete for playoff positioning throughout the remainder of January 2026.

Sources

• CBS Sports – Official game recap and box score analysis
• ESPN – Live score updates and game statistics
• NBC Los Angeles – Post-game coverage and expert commentary