Lakers vs Grizzlies Preview and Game Thread: Can L.A. address their weaknesses ASAP?

The Lakers are going to have to be extra sharp against an unhealthy Grizzlies team who has what it takes to expose their flaws.

The Lakers look to conclude their rough five-game road trip with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. This will be the first of two times these teams see each other in a span of a week.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

When: 5:00 p.m. PT, Nov 6

Where: FedExForum

Watch: Spectrum SportsNet

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The Lakers’ dispiriting loss to the Detroit Pistons last Monday will go down as one of, if not the worst, defeats this season. They were supposed to handle a rebuilding Pistons team but instead, the purple and gold were outworked and significantly exposed.

What was more concerning about this frustrating loss was that LeBron James and Anthony Davis had to play 40 and 39 minutes, respectively, and still, the Lakers lost by 12. It was disappointing to see AD put up 37 points only for that to go to waste. The worst part is, we’re not even sure about his status moving forward due to an ankle injury he suffered late in the game.

With seven games in the books, the glaring concern about this team is that JJ Redick and co. have yet to find a solution for their flaws. It’s as if as each game passes, their lack of bench production, putrid perimeter and transition defense, as well as their over-reliance on Davis, continues to be highlighted. The strategy to defeat the Lakers is out there and L.A. hasn’t done enough to counter it.

All that said, this tough five-game road trip could’ve played out better. After the Lakers’ perfect slate at home to begin the season, they have now lost three of their last four. It’s definitely not ideal, but the least they can do is end the trip on a good note with a win in Memphis on Wednesday. Here are two key factors that will determine whether or not they can do that:

Can the Lakers contain Ja Morant?

The fact that the Lakers’ guards struggled against Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey makes me very nervous about how they will handle Morant. The Grizzlies might be sans two of their perimeter guards in Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane, but that just also means more usage and touches for a speedy and athletic guard in Ja.

Morant’s currently keeping the Grizzlies afloat by averaging 20.7 points per game, so it’ll be really important for the Lakers to make sure he doesn’t catch fire and score more than his average.

Otherwise, we all know how that’s going to unfold. It’s D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent’s duty to match his production collectively.

Will the Lakers’ defense show life?

Despite how beat up Memphis is, they’re still a pretty decent offensive team. They currently average 117.1 points per game, which is the eighth-best in the league. They have a top-10 offense and can get production across the board.

Outside of Morant, the Lakers also can’t forget about Jaren Jackson Jr., rookie Zach Edey and, ironically, former South Bay Lakers players Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff, who are actually playing decent basketball right now as they’re making the most out of the playing time they’ve been given.

More importantly, this Grizzlies team loves to run as they’ve average 35.3 points in transition per game, highest in the league. Typing this already makes me worried about the Lakers’ transition defense on Wednesday. It’s going to have to really step up for this one.

Speaking of stepping up, the Lakers also have to improve in rebounding, where they were badly outdone against the Pistons (62-49). Guess who rebounds better even than the Pistons? The Grizzlies, who are currently averaging 47.0 a game, ranked seventh best in the league.

The thing about this Memphis team is that while they have a record of 4-4 and are relatively unhealthy, they excel in many things that the Lakers have trouble containing. So this game will be determined by the Lakers’ defense, which right now is a bottom five in the league.

If Los Angeles wants to close their road trip on a good note, their defense must show life. That’s what will help them play their best basketball thus far in what has been an underwhelming road trip.

Let’s see if the Lakers can do just that versus the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Notes and Updates

• Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain) and D’Angelo Russell (right foot contusion) are probable. Anthony Davis is officially listed as questionable with a left heel contusion.
• Notably, Christian Koloko is not on the injury report, meaning he should be available for the Lakers on Wednesday.
• Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot injury recovery) and Christian Wood (right knee injury recovery) remain out while Jalen Hood-Schifino (G League assignment), Maxwell Lewis (G League assignment), Quincy Olivari (G League two-way) and Armel Traore (G League two-way) will all be on South Bay Lakers duties.
• For Memphis, Desmond Bane, GG Jackson, Marcus Smart, Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. are all out. John Konchar is doubtful and Luke Kennard is questionable.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.