It was a tough battle, but the Lakers managed to escape with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are currently struggling themselves, but this game helped to wipe away the stain of the Lakers’ crushing last-second loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Both the Grizzlies and Lakers were 1-4 in their last five games prior to facing each other, so this was a test of wills for both teams to try and correct their course. The Grizzlies recently fired their longtime coach Taylor Jenkins, which could have put them at a disadvantage for this big game.
The Grizzlies are very close to slipping down in the standings over these next few games, but that remains to be seen. The Lakers are clinging to the 4th seed right now, which could slip from their grasp over the next few games. The Lakers were in need of a confidence boost, and they would receive one with their 134-127 win over the Grizzlies.
Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves Make History In Grizzlies Win
The Lakers made history in their victory against the Grizzlies, as Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves finished as the first trio of teammates to record 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 threes together.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves are the first trio in NBA history to record 25 points 5 assists 5 rebounds and 2 threes in a single game
Best trio of all time 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zt4ZIS59Si
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 30, 2025
Austin Reaves has his eyes on a TITLE 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TzEZuXRrqK
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 30, 2025
Austin Reaves spoke after the game, pointing out that the Lakers’ focus is on a championship. While that might seem ambitious considering they recently went 1-4 and won against a team also recently 1-4, the goal for every playoff team is evident. Reaves also credited his teammates for his surge in confidence.
Reaves finished with a team-high 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Dončić finished his night with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, just shy of a triple double. James finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists in their best performance together as a trio so far.
SEE MORE: Austin Reaves Wins Hearts With Wholesome Gesture for Brother Spencer Reaves
Could The Lakers Win It All?
It would be premature to crown the Lakers are potential champions after this victory over the Grizzlies, but winning boosts confidence and drive going forward. Reaves, Dončić, and James are a great trio to have on your team, but the playoffs are a different animal.
With the schedule getting a little tougher as the season nears the close, the Lakers will have to battle to win games to remain in the top 6, with the Western Conference being so close right now. The Warriors, the Clippers, the Wolves, and the Grizzlies are all knocking to take the Lakers’ spot.
While it is unlikely that the Grizzlies will maintain their standing, the Lakers could be in danger. A first round matchup with the surging Clippers could present problems, as well as the Warriors and their newfound confidence with Jimmy Butler.
Can the Lakers win it all? While there’s not a lot of recent evidence to suggest that they will, the possibility is always there when you have three players like Reaves, Dončić, and James on your team.